Introducing Fifties Art, specialists in mid-century artworks

Fifties Art began when its founder Dr Richard Turkington FRSA bought a painting from 1959 with an unpromising title “Railway Sidings, Bradford”. This inspired him to delve more into the mid-century art, eventually leading him to creating Fifties Art, a specialist gallery in mid-century artworks with a particular focus on the works of John Piper.

He is passionate about making art accessible, and introducing new audiences to works from this period.

Tell us about your journey in the art world so far…

My background isn’t in art at all, other than appreciating it! About eight years ago, a friend of mine started going to auctions, and invited me along. I loved it and began to learn more about the styles on offer as well as what was popular.

My first auction purchase was an unassuming but somehow compelling piece called ‘Railway Sidings, Bradford’, which resonated with me as a train spotter from West Yorkshire, but I couldn’t find any further information on the work. Was this a typical 50s piece, or was it distinctive? It piqued my interest, and I decided to delve deeper.

What I discovered was an opportunity to develop my knowledge and expertise, and I decided to invest in building a collection to sell. Soon I was surrounded by boxes and boxes of amazing art, I set up a website, and off I went.

When I decided to launch my first exhibition, I hired the Weaver’s Gallery in Ledbury and the show as a huge success. I was then asked to find alternative uses for a church, so created two popular exhibitions there, before I headed to London…

By this time, I had discovered the works of John Piper, and his career has become something of a speciality.

Why do you focus on mid-century art?

There was a brilliant fusion of art and design during this period. The 1951 Festival of Britain really raised the standard and profile of design in everyday life and set the context and direction for art and design in the post-war landscape. There was real hope for a better quality of life, where good quality design could be accessible – art for every man and every woman. This really appeals to the sociologist in me.

This ethos influenced art during the period, as well as technological developments that made printmaking cheaper and more accessible. There was a real drive to making art less stuffy; there were some truly beautiful items being produced, with fantastic modern designs.

There seems to be a vacuum to be filled when it comes to appreciating 50s art – it’s an often-overlooked decade, as it’s often less dramatic than the 60s and Americana, but there was real creativity on display. There are paintings, prints, glassware, ceramics and fabrics that are as appealing today as they were 70 years ago.

You’re a specialist in the works of John Piper (1903 – 1992). Does he have a signature style?

Piper is one of the most creative, imaginative and versatile artists of the twentieth century, and we hold a varied stock of his paintings, limited edition prints and original fabrics.

My fascination with Piper began when I came across a print called ‘Willington Dovecot’, and I was struck by the way he was able to bring buildings to life, particularly old buildings such as churches and castles – inanimate piles of stones, but his representation gives them such dynamism.

Piper was incredibly prolific, and he was an official war artist during WWII. He is recognised for his wonderful studies of British, French and Venetian landscapes and architecture. An expert printmaker, he also designed ceramics, murals, stained glass, theatre sets – even fireworks displays.

He would apply his artistic imagination to create such atmosphere – not trying to be mysterious, but helping people to look at something otherwise familiar and everyday in a different way. His works have real chemistry; his intuitive mark making shows a restless curiosity and extraordinary imagination.

A lot of his work is decorative, fairly minimalist, and can be really eye catching and impactful in contemporary interior design themes – they sit incredibly well in a modern aesthetic.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning in near future?

We will be hosting an exhibition of Piper’s work at 67 York Street Gallery between 4^th – 9^th November, a stone’s throw from the hustle of Marylebone Hight Street.

I aim to celebrate the variety, versatility and distinctiveness of John Piper’s art and design, offering an attractive range of artworks at accessible prices. This exhibition will include more than 30 pieces, displayed in the fantastic 67 York Street Gallery in the heart of Marylebone; an approachable space for Piper fans and those new to his work to discover his versatility and passion. The show is a great introduction to Piper’s work, as well as the chance to add original and high-quality works to your own collection.

To find out more please visit: https://fiftiesart.com/

DISCOVER ANOTHER ART STORY HERE.