In association with the @artsrichmonduk #openstudio event, @the_beach_197 at 197 Waldegrave Rd, Teddington TW11 8LX, is presenting a ‘Retrospective’ exhibition of the sculpture, paintings and drawings of Avril Vellacott.
All are warmly invited to the Private View, starting at 6:30pm Thursday 21 May 2026.
The dates for the Arts Richmond Open Studio are the late May bank holiday weekend 23, 24 and 25 May, and the following weekend 30 and 31 May - between 11:00am and 4:00pm. The show will also continue to be open until the 26 June 2026.
Avril produced an extensive portfolio, working as an artist from an early age, and also teaching in Richmond Adult Education for over 30 years.
Some of Avril’s best known sculpting work was in the films, and created the designs and movie models for the memorable #theneverendingstory - including the White Dragon “Falcor” and Giant Turtle “Morla the Ancient One” - see photos.
Avril exhibited widely and her work is in many private and public collections - including the portrait sculptures of: ‘Noel Coward’ in Teddington Library, ‘Jeremy Thorpe’ in the Houses of Parliament, ‘Samuel Beckett’ at the Royal Hollaway, and the ‘Marquess of Bath’ at Longleat House.
“Retrospective” will showcase Avril’s portrait and figurative sculpture, paintings and drawings, that are still held by the family. Also photographs of her involvement with the production of ‘The Neverending Story’ whilst working at Bavaria Film Studios in Munich.
In association with this show, the Baronscourt Theater is offering a £4 discount to visitors to The Beach for their up coming show “Retrospective”.
“Retrospective” is an existential comedy about the purpose of art paying homage to the great expressionist artists of the past, Rothko, De Kooning. Pollock and Picasso, making its UK premiere on the 14th - 23rd May.
You may use the code CURATOR for a £4 discount on tickets when booking.
A couple of events not to be missed!
Photo credits:
@colinstout
Paul Vellacott
@mark_vellacott
et al
Been sorting through my mother Avril Vellacott’s art and sculpture ahead of a retrospective exhibition of her work @the_beach_197 that I’m planning in coordination with the @artsrichmonduk open studio event later in May 2026.
I came across this preparatory sketch that Avril must have done for the ‘Dick Phelps’ plaque which now hangs in @thamesrowingclub
Very Avril to do a lot of research and sketching ahead of producing the final piece.
Think I’ll frame up and include in the exhibition.
Then, I think Avril, being a stalwart of @twicksrowing and second generation @remenhamclub member (I’m a 3rd gen), would have been pleased if it went to his grandson @phelpsie93
#gallarista @mark_vellacott has acquired 4 works from the ‘Ways of Perceiving’ exhibition for his personal collection - on until 2 May at the @apsara.studio in Battersea.
A must see ‘Final Residency Show’ produced by @handson.projects and beautifully curated by @nigelip
Well done to all involved.
The three small ‘vessel’ works are by @bekaellis , and the haunting dark abstract landscape by @fatemeh.heidarhosseini - inspired by the on going conflict in Iran.
Very impressive work by both Becca and Fatemeh - backed by such powerful stories.
Also very impressed by the work of the other artists in the show.
Laetitzia Cambell (@laetitziacampbell ), Haoua
Habré (@indigo.hbr ), and
Lícia Santos (@licia_santos ).
Bios of Becca and Fatemeh from the show program:
Becca Ellis is a Bristol-based oil painter whose work uses the idea of the “vessel” to explore the human condition through paint. A 2023 Camberwell College of Arts graduate, she blends research into natural and philosophical ideas with an intuitive, gestural approach. Her work explores the space between material and immaterial experience and has been exhibited across London and Bristol.
Fatemeh Heidarhosseini is an Iranian painter based in London whose work explores memory, displacement, and environmental experience. A 2025 Royal College of Art graduate, she draws on her upbringing in Tehran and life in the UK to create psychological, abstract landscapes. Working in layered oil paint, she evokes states of memory, grief, and unease, and has exhibited in London.
#leicax2
Join me on the final day of my exhibition @the_beach_197 tomorrow Saturday 25th. I will be giving an artist talk at 2pm, where I will share more about my processes and inspirations and what is coming next for my work. Thanks to @mark_vellacott for inviting this opportunity 🙏. #fineartgallery #contemporaryarts #richmondarts #teddingtonartists #twickenhamartist
‘The Beach’ Gallery at 197 Waldegrave Rd, Teddington TW11 8LX, is delighted to invite you and your family and friends to the ‘Trilogy’ - Stuart Simler Solo Exhibition Private View commencing at 6:30pm Thursday 19 March 2026.
The ‘Trilogy’ exhibition showcases the work of local internationally renowned artist Stuart Simler - exploring themes of generational memory and urbanism - and opens on the public on Friday 20 March!
Stuart has an extensive portfolio working as an artist and art consultant.
His paintings have been exhibited in Manhattan N.Y, parts of Europe and London and with a specialism in the education sector he has designed and presented inventive learning programmes for world renowned clients using art as a tool for cross-curricular learning.
Working from his experiences and developing projects for diverse communities Stuart extended his practice by inviting schools and representatives from local authorities at roots level to take part in social interventions that would have a positive impact and offer opportunities for community cohesion.
Recognising the potential for this type of engagement and to reach a wider audience, Stuart has consulted on international projects for the British Council in China and India working with delegates to develop a greater understanding with their global partners.
Stuart’s depth of experience enables him to work effectively with diverse groups helping them become more productive and creative.
The ‘Triology’ exhibition will include a talk and workshops by Stuart - details to follow.
Private View: Thursday 19 March, 6:30pm to 9:30pm Exhibition dates: 20 March - 24 April 2026.
Opening times: Wednesday-Saturday, 10-4pm and by appointment at The Beach Gallery, Teddington
Meet Staurt, enjoy drinks, and be part of this inspiring exhibition!
I am excited to be able to share the details of my up coming solo exhibition: TRILOGY @the_beach_197 gallery. This will showcase three large-scaled works alongside supporting pieces and also a glimpse of new work in the making. The show opens on 18th March with the PV on 19th March - 6 til 9pm. See flyer attached for more details. Opening times are: Weds - Fridays 10 - 1 & 2 -4, Saturdays; programmed events forthcoming - keep 'em peeled 👀. Viewings also available by appointment; DM me to arrange. PV does not require RSVP, just come and say Hi 👋and enjoy a drink in a great creative space! #cassart1984 #richmond_art_school
#richmondarts #orleanshousegallery #teddingtonartists #berichmonduk #londonartsandhealth
Back in the @raw_ground_arts studio, clearing some space for a fresh start on a new body of work - keep em peeled for info about these and info about my forthcoming exhibition @the_beach_197 in March 🙌👀. #londongallery #thebeachgallery #raw_ground_arts #cassart1984 #orleanshousegallery
@the_beach_197 #gallerista @mark_vellacott is delighted to have added ‘She’s Just Like Me’ by the uber talented @nellmitchell_ to his private collection.
“I really like the vulnerability and duality of this piece - as well as being a #bettyboop fan…”
Nell has just completed @rdsdrawingyear2025 at the @royaldrawingschool - and her work is currently on show at the ‘End of Year Exhibition’ until the 19 December.
Also, great product placement of Nell’s ‘Ode To A Simpsons Fridge Magnet’ displayed prominently behind the PV Bar…
My unique piece,'Artist Assigned At Birth,' can still be seen in the Beach Gallery, 179 Waldegrave Rd, Teddington.
Go and visit this exquisite exhibition linked with female rugby and women's reseliinence.
And if you have time, in the gallery, read about what is the meaning and motivation of creating this piece. Thank you.
#jana_dragonfly #janarychvalska #thebeachgallery #Teddington
Congratulations to Maha @smahaart for receiving Touchlines of Fortitude overall winner award!!!
Winners were selected by a panel including leading art critic Tabish Khan @londonartcritic , award-winning figurative artist Karen Turner @karen_turner_artist , curator Agnieszka Lokaj @aga.lokaj.art and The Beach gallery owner Mark Vellacott @the_beach_197
Overall winner: Maha Satish
Title: Monthly conversation
Artist statement:
Part of a series that gives an opportunity to talk about women and the limitlessness of their strength.
Fortitudes flow faster and further during and despite the monthly conversations we have with our bodies. From a set of work about the invisibility of women after a certain stage in their lives, this painting is a piece that brings forth the thought that biological essentialisms are our super powers and not a limitation.
I have attempted to express such invisibility by capturing tender, strong, utilitarian poses that hands take in everyday situations, conveying the story that is often left out. Emphatically anonymous, the poses are codes, signifying a dilemma, a drama, a decision or a responsibility, a reward, a regret. And a nod to how women forge ahead as naturally as these hands.
Proudly supported by @aceagrams #ArtsCouncilEngland#ACESupported and @hobbycrafthq #MakeWithHobbycraft
#TouchlinesOfFortitude #ArtExhibition #FemaleResilience#FemaleStrength #FemaleEmpowerment #ArtAndSport #Twickenham#Teddington #RichmondUponThames
