Gallery Nine in Northleach (formerly the home of Fothergill's Gallery) opened in August 2019, initially as a place to show Don Cordery's paintings and prints, as well as his wife Cheryl's photographs. Gallery Nine is evolving over time into a space in which occasional and carefully discerned collections of work from other artists are shown. We continue to stock Adam Stinson's beautiful ceramics. Our exhibition showing the beautiful work of Theo Carter (1929-2013) closed on Sunday 3 October, but some of her etchings remain for sale. In the meantime, see the above links for more information.
Don Cordery studied at Winchester School of Art and The Royal Academy Schools in London, winning prizes in the Young Contemporaries and John Moores Painting Prize competitions. During his time at the Academy he met the eminent designer, printmaker and painter, Edward Bawden, who was then working on designs for the mural subsequently installed at the BP-Shell headquarters at Britannic House, London. Bawden invited Don and two fellow students to work as assistants in painting the mural at his home in Great Bardfield, Essex.
In 1967 Don was appointed visiting lecturer at Manchester College of Art under Norman Adams RA, and from 1971 taught on the Foundation course at Berkshire College of Art. In 1979 he left teaching to become a freelance painter.
He produced a sell-out series of lithographs, depicting owls and birds of prey for Christie's Contemporary Art.
He was represented from the early 1980s by the illustrators' agency, Folio, and in 1989 he was commissioned by The Royal Mail to design the postage stamps commemorating the Centenary of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
A complete break from illustration and commercial work led to a wide-ranging period of experimentation. The work of the early 19th century watercolourists, particularly John Sell Cotman and Thomas Girtin, both artists who went beyond the topographical traditions of the time to embrace a poetic vision transcending mere appearance, led Don to a wider use of watercolour. 'Winter Stream' (left) particularly expressed this deeper journey into subject and technique.
He was a runner-up in The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition in 1993 with his translucent portrait "Study in Sunlight" (left). Since then, he has worked and exhibited, not only with Brian Sinfield and The Merriscourt Gallery, but in his studio/gallery on the hill near Compton Abdale.
Now, in Northleach, he has been re-visiting his early exploration of abstraction and use of mixed media. His interest in early Buddhist and Egyptian wall paintings, alongside the symbolism contained in number and geometry (two purchased by Barclays Bank in Canary Wharf, London), has richly informed his more recent work.
As a printmaker, Don Cordery uses a traditional French etching press. Printmaking, including monotype, attracts considerable interest and Don is considering offering regular weekend teaching workshops for individuals or small numbers wishing the learn the craft.
Alongside paintings and prints produced in the studio at the rear of the shop, a selection of giclee prints of Don's work will soon be available for sale.
Images produced by Don's wife, Cheryl, a self-taught photographer, are available in the form of prints, framed and unframed.
In addition, individual photographic portrait sessions (fondly known as "The Kitchen Sessions") are offered. Cheryl's portraits, with commission details, can be seen in the 'Portraits' section in Portfolios.