John Hammond Solo Exhibition 18-31 May 2024

Master of Light

The exhibition shown in this catalogue is the second show celebrating works by the late John Hammond, (1961 – 2023), since his untimely passing early last year.

For the many who love his work and those yet to be introduced to this outstanding landscape artist’s paintings this is a singular opportunity to view and acquire exceptional compositions.

The exhibition comprises over 30 works, which showcase John’s special gifts as a “master of light”. Those familiar with his paintings will recognise many of the locations favoured by John such as Venice, Southern France, Café scenes, the Devon and Cornish coast, beautiful gardens, and English rural landscapes, contrasting with the bustle of London.

These paintings are from John’s estate courtesy of Kate his wife and also sourced from collectors who have kindly offered a number of works to ensure the show gives full expression to location and light.

John was careful to release only paintings which he felt matched his exacting standards. As he said “I always know a painting is successful, if it tugs at my heartstrings and pulls me back to a time and a place, to that first hand experience of the senses and emotions which call it to be painted, to be captured and shared.”

Marine House at Beer has had a long friendship with John and Kate going back almost 24 years. We have staged numerous solo shows of work by John. Rosemary and I have fond memories of visiting his house in Chippenham prior to each exhibition to view and debate his recommended selection for each show.

John’s love of life, his and Kate’s enthusiasm for lively ’40s and ’50s music and styles; his travels to his favourite artistic haunts and above all joy in painting are all enthusiasms he shared with us and captured the hearts of so many people. Thank you, thank you, John.