I studied fine art at the Ruskin School of Art, Oxford. I then went to the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, studied History of Art. After that I worked as a curator at the Tate Gallery (as it was then called) and then taught at London University, finishing my career as a Professor at Birkbeck College. My main research area is in Romanticism, and I have published books on that subject, as well as studies in British and German art. I curated a number of exhibitions, the last being the bicentenary exhibition on Samuel Palmer at the British Museum (2005). I have just completed a monograph on Palmer which is scheduled to be published by Yale University Press in 2014.

Although I had little time for practical art when I was teaching, I always kept drawing. Palmer’s wonderful etchings excited me greatly and I decided, when I retired, to have a go at the medium myself. Since 2006 I have been producing etchings regularly. I was extremely lucky to have the help of the very fine painter and etcher Biddy Moreton, who introduced me to the method and made me aware of its potential. I concentrate mainly on landscape and local views at the moment. However I still hope to explore it further and develop in new directions. Joining the Bruton Art Society greatly boosted my confidence. I have also exhibited in a number of other venues, including the Bath Society of Artists, The Royal West of England Academy in Bristol, and the New English Art Club and Royal Society of British Artists at the Mall Galleries in London. You may also enjoy this Moon and Trees video.

The Tower etching and aquatint

Edge of the Wood etching

Desdemona’s House, Venice                           etching and aquatint

By the Park    etching and aquaprint

Branches etching

At the Window etching