A Letter to Barrie

I’ve always felt a sense of sadness about this, as most of these artists never get to see their work hanging pride of place. I was delighted when Tate Britain hung one of your paintings from their private collection in celebration of your eightieth birthday over ten years ago. However, in my opinion, this was nowhere near enough. With this in mind, I want to hold this exhibition by way of a tribute to the contribution you have made to the art world during your career, which to date, spans more than 70 years. Your biography is in itself one of the most impressive I have ever seen. You possess more than an abundance of ability to paint. Your work has a sense of deep visual intention. This gives your paintings meditative spirituality and authenticity. A quality most artists never achieve.

I want to thank you for introducing me to your personal pantheon of artists which have included John Hoyland, Terry Frost and Albert Irvine to name but a few. I’ll never forget my first visit to your studio where we met to discuss our first exhibition together. We laughed as you explained you only promised me the exhibition as you were convinced by the time it was your turn I would be out of business. Here we are Barrie, 21 years later. Thank you for your support at all times. Thank you for caring for the future and success of Lemon Street Gallery. You are without doubt an unsung hero. Of all the brilliant men I have met in my artistic career to date, you, Barrie, are the most brilliant!