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Supported by Arts Council England

Supported by Rother District Council

See our artworks on Art UK

Kenneth Townsend

The artist Kenneth Townsend (1931-1999) was a well-known illustrator, sculptor and designer. He worked for international companies such as Liberty, Hornsey Pottery, Pilkington Glass and Galt Toys. In his later years he was the art director of Pickpocket Books.

Born in Winchelsea, East Sussex he went to school in Rye and eventually moved to Hastings studying painting at Hastings College of Art and Central School of Art, London. He continued to paint, draw and sculpt all of his life, inspired by his surrounding and the humorous personalities that lived locally. He was a recognized resident of the old town in Hastings, frequenting the jazz nights in the Anchor on George Street.

His preferred method of painting was to take photographs and once back in the studio he would recreate the landscapes with abstract expressions. The sense of emotion is a striking feature of Empirical Windows as Kenneth’s preference was for feeling as opposed to realistic depictions. He was one of the founding members of the Rye Society of Artists, exhibiting in their annual RSA summer shows.

This exhibition brings together previously unseen paintings from the family collection and works that have been displayed in prestigious galleries across the country. His work is also in private  and public collections such as the Towner Art Gallery, Royal Scottish Museum, Leeuwarden Museum, Holland and Rye Art Gallery.

 

All enquiries : ryeartgallery@gmail.com

or telephone : 01797 222433

Cliff Paths II, acrylic on board, 80x93cm inc. frame - £1,800

Cliff Paths II, acrylic on board, 80x93cm inc. frame - £1,800

Marina, oil on canvas, 93.5x93.5cm inc. frame - £1,500

Marina, oil on canvas, 93.5x93.5cm inc. frame - £1,500

Abstract 56, 1977, oil on canvas, 67.5x83.5cm inc. frame - £1,475 NOW SOLD

Abstract 56, 1977, oil on canvas, 67.5x83.5cm inc. frame - £1,475 NOW SOLD

Striped and Fawn Abstract, oil on board, 65.5x65.5cm inc. frame - £1,500

Striped and Fawn Abstract, oil on board, 65.5x65.5cm inc. frame - £1,500

The Village III, mixed media, 55.5x68cm inc. frame - £400

The Village III, mixed media, 55.5x68cm inc. frame - £400

Green Abstract, oil on canvas, 86x111cm inc. frame - £1,800 NOW SOLD

Green Abstract, oil on canvas, 86x111cm inc. frame - £1,800 NOW SOLD

Green Woodland, oil on canvas, 79x110cm inc. frame - £1,800

Green Woodland, oil on canvas, 79x110cm inc. frame - £1,800

Foreshore, oil on canvas, 94x124cm inc. frame - £1,900

Foreshore, oil on canvas, 94x124cm inc. frame - £1,900

Table Aigaliers, oil on canvas, 81x81cm inc. frame - £1,800

Table Aigaliers, oil on canvas, 81x81cm inc. frame - £1,800

North Coast, oil on board, 78x102cm inc. frame - £1,400 NOW SOLD

North Coast, oil on board, 78x102cm inc. frame - £1,400 NOW SOLD

Fleure Du Mal, mixed media, 61x70cm inc. frame - £650

Fleure Du Mal, mixed media, 61x70cm inc. frame - £650

Sea Wall, oil, 58x81cm inc. frame - £800

Sea Wall, oil, 58x81cm inc. frame - £800

South Downs, mixed media of watercolour, gouache and acrylic, 62.5x82cm inc. frame - £600

South Downs, mixed media of watercolour, gouache and acrylic, 62.5x82cm inc. frame - £600

Night Mirror, mixed media, 56x56cm inc. frame - £600

Night Mirror, mixed media, 56x56cm inc. frame - £600

Hedge II, mixed media, 53.5x61cm inc.frame - £600

Hedge II, mixed media, 53.5x61cm inc.frame - £600

Ansoris, oil on canvas, 77x101cm inc. frame - £1,400

Ansoris, oil on canvas, 77x101cm inc. frame - £1,400

Taviscon,1976, mixed media, 37x44cm inc. frame - £700

Taviscon,1976, mixed media, 37x44cm inc. frame - £700

Cliff Paths I, oil on board, 87x115cm inc. frame - £1800 NOW SOLD

Cliff Paths I, oil on board, 87x115cm inc. frame - £1800 NOW SOLD

Dark Copse, acrylic on canvas, 74.5x94.5cm inc. frame - £1,400

Dark Copse, acrylic on canvas, 74.5x94.5cm inc. frame - £1,400

Colliour 11, acrylic on board, 78.5x103.5cm inc. frame - £1,800

Colliour 11, acrylic on board, 78.5x103.5cm inc. frame - £1,800

Fossil Bird, monoprint, 46.5x48.5cm inc. frame - £200

Fossil Bird, monoprint, 46.5x48.5cm inc. frame - £200

Elderly Fawn Having Fun, A/P, Relief print, 46.5x59cm inc. frame - £300 NOW SOLD

Elderly Fawn Having Fun, A/P, Relief print, 46.5x59cm inc. frame - £300 NOW SOLD