Phillip Sutton to launch Bridport gallery

Mr Sutton’s life and works have been the subject of photographic studies, along with several films and books.

Mr Sutton has now relocated to West Bay – and he continues to work in his 18th century cottage, creating new paintings throughout the pandemic.

With Mr Sutton’s exhibition programme for 2021 being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, he has decided to set up his own gallery in the St Michael’s Arts & Vintage Quarter in Bridport.

The first exhibition, showcasing his work from the past 20 years, will be managed by his daughter Rebekah and granddaughter Rifka.

Rebekah said: “It is a pleasure to bring together all of the works Philip has made since 2000 for the first time.

“Philip’s paintings show his brilliant observation of landscape and life as well as his love of colour and enjoyment of nature. It is important to him that his works are seen and enjoyed and we all hope that the new gallery will add to the creative dynamic of St. Michael’s Art and Craft Quarter in Bridport.”

Mr Sutton struggled in the lockdown, being unable to see friends and family for extended periods, but this neither slowed down his output nor dampened his spirits.

During the time he hosted impromptu exhibitions showing his latest works on his lawn.

Mr Sutton said “I’m lucky because I don’t have television and I don’t listen to the radio, so for all the time everybody’s so very upset I just work away quietly like a monk.”

The gallery is scheduled to the public on Thursday, December 3 – providing lockdown restrictions allow it – the first exhibition will run until Thursday, January 28, 2021.

The exhibition, entitled, ‘Philip Sutton RA – His 21st Century Colours’, will collate all of Mr Sutton’s work from the last 20 years.

Advance bookings can be made online at philipsuttonra.eventbrite.co.uk