Roy Petley (b1950) - Norfolk Impressionism

Roy Petley (b. 1950, Grantham, Lincolnshire) is a British painter whose evocative landscapes and romantic figurative works have earned him a place among the most respected contemporary Impressionists. Known for his mastery of light and plein air technique, Petley’s career spans over five decades, marked by resilience, royal patronage, and a deep reverence for classical art.

Early Life and Artistic Awakening

Petley’s journey began in adversity. At the age of five, he was abandoned to the Woodlands School near Uckfield, Sussex, a home for orphaned children. Art became his sanctuary. Self-taught in his early years, he later earned a scholarship to Brighton University. However, the allure of Italy’s Renaissance masters proved irresistible. He left formal education and hitchhiked to Florence, immersing himself in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the collections of the Uffizi Gallery.

Career and Artistic Style

Returning to the UK in 1968, Petley began exhibiting in Belfast’s Bell Gallery before moving to London. He gained visibility through Liberty’s and Heal’s department stores and famously displayed his works on the railings of Green Park, then known as “The Open Air Art Show.”

Petley’s style is rooted in British Impressionism, drawing comparisons to John Constable, Edward Seago, and Campbell Mellon. His paintings often depict serene English beaches, Venetian canals, and pastoral scenes, intentionally devoid of modernity. His use of light, whether in oil, watercolour, pastel, or sanguine, is poetic, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transcends time.

Royal Connections and Patronage

A pivotal moment came when Petley’s portrait of Prince Charles reached Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother via her steward, William Tallon. This led to a long-standing relationship with the British Royal Family, including the Prince of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh, and Duchess of Norfolk. His works are part of prestigious collections including Harvard University, Durban Museum, and Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane.

Petley Fine Art and Gallery Legacy

In 2003, Petley founded Petley Fine Art on Cork Street, Mayfair, becoming one of the first artists to own a gallery in this elite art district. Alongside his son Jason Petley, he expanded to Monte Carlo in 2004. The gallery, now known as Petleys, showcases both established and emerging artists, including Neil Forster, Martin Yeoman, and Yuri Krotov.

Peers, Friends, and Artistic Influence

Petley’s circle includes respected portraitists and international artists. His work has been praised by Brian Sewell, the late British art critic, who admired Petley’s commitment to traditional techniques. His friendships span collectors, actors like Timothy Dalton, and authors such as Frederick Forsyth.

Exhibitions and Market Presence

Petley has exhibited globally, from London and Dublin to Dallas and Barbados. His prolific exhibition history includes:

• Bell Gallery, Belfast (1968)

• David Messum, Cork Street, London (1993–2000)

• Jorgensen Fine Art, Dublin

• The Victorian Gallery, Dallas

• Petley Fine Art, London & Monte Carlo (2003–2009)

Collectors value his timeless aesthetic and consistent quality.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Roy Petley’s influence lies not only in his art but in his dedication to preserving classical techniques in a modern world. His galleries continue to support figurative and plein air artists, and his own works serve as a bridge between tradition and contemporary sensibility.

Source: www.artbiogs.co.uk and multiple web-based articles and research