Nearly 30 works are included in the commercial gallery’s show which runs from March 23-May 2. It focuses on the development of Coldstream’s style, technique and subject matter through works that date from 1926-80.
Born in Northumberland, he studied and later taught at the Slade School. During the Second World War he travelled on behalf of the War Artists’ Advisory Committee painting landscapes and portraits of servicemen. He was a notoriously slow worker, generally producing only three or four paintings a year, and rarely exhibited.
The show includes Coldstream’s portraiture, for which he is best known, as well as a selection of cityscapes and still-lifes.
Among the highlights is Westminster VI, one of a series of views he painted from 1973-83. It is painted from his preferred elevated perspective and focuses on the architectural elements of the city. There is also his 1961 portrait of Lord Glenconner, completed over 73 hour-long sittings, usually done during Glenconner’s commute to the city.
Coldstream’s style influenced many of those who studied under him, such as Euan Uglow (1932-2000). Both feature at the Tate Britain exhibition All too Human: Bacon, Freud and a Century of Painting Life (until August).
