Ross Hickling (1918-) : Yorkshire Artist

The only exhibited artwork in the RA we can find was in 1955 Titled (161) Nude in Gallery No.3

The Chronical Live in 2004 wrote an article on a retrospective organised by his friends.

‘Friends and admirers of the artist Ross Hickling have organised a retrospective exhibition in his honour - and it does give a clear indication of why they are admirers as well as friends.

Strictly speaking, Ross was an amateur painter. But he studied under Victor Pasmore, Lawrence Gowing and Roger de Grey, luminaries of the celebrated Euston Road School, when they were teaching in the fine art department at Newcastle University (then King's College, Durham).

In the work currently on display at Newcastle Arts Centre you can see their influence. A description of the Euston Road School, set up by a group of London-based artists just before the war, accompanies the pictures in the exhibition.

Ross was born in Yorkshire but married a North-East girl after the war and they settled in Newcastle. Realising he would find it difficult to make a living as an artist, Ross joined the Fire Brigade because the shift working gave him time to paint.

His boss became aware of his artistic skills and put him in charge of a new visual aids department where he produced publicity and training materials. He also produced a jocular in-house magazine for the North-East brigades and designed a badge for the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade.

Inspired by Ross, several other firemen took up painting as a hobby, as well as contributing cartoons to the magazine.

In 1957 Ross and a few other artists set up the Univision Gallery in the basement of the Royal Court Grill in Newcastle's Bigg Market. According to Mike Tilley, who runs Newcastle Arts Centre, they struck up a fruitful relationship with a gallery on the Parisian Left Bank, exchanging collections of paintings.

The Bigg Market gallery is long gone but Ross's paintings hang on many walls around the region.

A representative selection of his work has been gathered for this exhibition, including a 1952 self-portrait and a painting of Jesus baptising John from a series called The Life of Christ, done for the parish church in Earsdon, North Tyneside, in 1997. Ross is unlikely to see the show. Now aged 86 and a widower, he moved not long ago from his home in Monkseaton to Devon to be near family members.’

Born in Swinton near Rotherham, Yorkshire, in 1918, Ross Hickling emerged as a distinctive voice in British art, though he remained largely outside the commercial spotlight. His early life was shaped by the industrial landscapes of Yorkshire, which would later inform the grounded realism and atmospheric depth of his paintings.

After serving in World War II, Hickling relocated to Northumberland, where he joined the Tyneside fire service. He remained in that role until the mid-1970s, balancing a demanding career with a deep commitment to painting. Though often described as an "amateur artist," this label belies the sophistication and integrity of his work.

Artistic Training and Influences

Hickling studied under Victor Pasmore, Lawrence Gowing, and Roger de Grey—key figures of the Euston Road School, known for its dedication to objective realism and unembellished representation. This influence is evident in Hickling’s work, which was praised for its “unswerving objectivity,” “vigorous, honest drawing,” and “unhesitant application of paint.”

His pastels and watercolours often captured the soft light of village greens, the industrial might of shipyards, and the subtle movement of musical ensembles, reflecting both his technical skill and emotional sensitivity.

Peers, Friends, and Community

Hickling was a respected member of the North of England Art Club, where he was known for his generosity and humility. Fellow artist Tony Harrison recalled Hickling’s influence: “He’s the reason I joined the club… Ross was generous with everyone who went there and he had no airs and graces about his own work.”

His friendships were rooted in mutual admiration and artistic camaraderie. A retrospective exhibition organized by his peers highlighted not only his talent but the affection and respect he inspired.

Market Presence and Artistic Legacy

Ross Hickling’s works have appeared at auction 18 times, primarily in the Drawing-Watercolor and Painting categories. Prices have ranged from $24 to $1,165, with the highest recorded sale being “A Nude on a Chaise Longue in a Pink Interior” sold in 2020.23

While his market presence is modest, his works are appreciated by collectors who value mid-century British realism and regional narratives. His paintings are not frequently seen at auction, making each appearance a noteworthy event for enthusiasts of Northern English art.

Artistic Interest and Market Frequency

Ross Hickling’s art is compelling—marked by a sincere realism and emotional restraint that reflect both his training and his personal ethos. His works are underrepresented in the market, which may be due to his amateur status and limited output. However, this rarity adds to their appeal for collectors seeking authentic, regionally grounded British art.

His influence, while not widely publicised, is felt in the community-driven art circles of Northern England, where his legacy continues through exhibitions and the memories of those who knew him.