This March, Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) offers a unique opportunity to view the work of some of the UK's most renowned figurative artists alongside established contemporary artists.

The works in the new exhibition: Looking for Appearance will reflect the observation and personal processes used by these artists to explore visual appearances.

For an artist, translating what is seen onto a flat surface is complex. The exhibited artists observe and paint directly from their subject, to question the elusive and beautiful appearance of the visible world. They are linked by their search for ‘visual evidence’ through drawing and painting.

THG has secured important loans from private collections by historic artists, which are exhibited together for the first time including:

• Euan Uglow, Patrick George, Patrick Symons and Myles Murphy

• Internationally renowned artists including co-founders of the Euston Road School: Claude Rogers (1907-1979), Graham Bell (1910-1943), Victor Pasmore (1908-1998) and Sir William Coldstream (1908-1987).

The influential Euston Road School (1937-1939) were a group of British painters committed to realism in opposition to avant-garde trends. Their focus on traditional subjects painted in a naturalistic way reflected the group's political belief that art should be socially relevant and accessible.  

The exhibition includes works by the gallery's namesake, artist Thelma Hulbert, who became part of the Euston Road School alongside Coldstream and Rogers.

The painting 'Roy at 21' by Euan Uglow will be showcased in the exhibition coinciding with MK Gallery's Euan Uglow: An Arc from the Eye (14 February - 1 May), the first solo exhibition of Uglow’s work in a UK public institution for two decades.

Alongside these historic works, the exhibition will feature new works by 30 established contemporary artists including:

Alex Cree who studied at Canterbury Christchurch College and the Royal Drawing School, both of which champion work from direct observation. The Euston Road tradition loomed large as many of his tutors were
themselves students of Uglow.

All my work starts with direct observation. It is important to me that the image is based on something I have witnessed.

Judi Green is a figurative painter working from direct observation, with a background in graphic design that informs her approach to composition and structure.

My process involves deeply studying the relationships of light, colour, and form, capturing the spatial and atmospheric presence of a place. Using carefully observed shapes and layers of colour, I build a sense of harmony on the canvas, aiming to convey both the essence of a scene and the weight of time spent within it.

Lisa Micklewright is a landscape painter whose strong sense of structure and flair for abstract pattern are balanced with an ability to imbue her observed subjects with an intensely atmospheric mood and vision.

I have always loved looking at landscapes from above and believe that certain configurations, patterns, colours and forms in nature can lead to a harmonious and energised beauty. Aerial satellite images have inspired me to see and paint landscapes in an exciting new way.

Daniel Preece narrates moments that are often overlooked or unseen, elevating them through tight compositions and a vivid use of colour. By confronting the viewer with a deep stillness, Daniel asks us to pause and survey the balance of structural form and interrelated plains of colour held within the richly layered paint. 

My subjects span both rural and urban landscapes and contain everyday motifs that lack human presence but seem to capture the traces of our lives.

Laura Smith aims to elevate the ordinary things around us and imbue them with significance.

Still life allows me the greatest freedom to express my emotions. The placement, manipulation and gesture of the objects, as well as how they interact with one another, is a big driving force for me.

The exhibition is co-curated by Mark Dunford and Tim Craven. There will be an accompanying catalogue and programme of events including a Private View on 14 March, artist talk on 21 March and a workshop.

Mark Dunford, co-curator and exhibiting artist said,

'Looking for Appearance’ will celebrate the abundant differences of these artists and present new dialogues and connections that trace the history and vibrant legacy of this singular approach to painting.

Councillor Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Sport, commented,

We are proud to present the work of such distinguished artists alongside the work of many established contemporary artists to help us explore the visual world with fresh eyes.

Looking for Appearance runs from 14 March - 2 May 2026
Private View: Saturday 14 March, 3-5pm.
Artist Talk: Tim Craven and Mark Dunford in conversation: Saturday 21 March, 5-6pm. £5
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX