In the glittering firmament of 1960s British art, few stars burned as brightly - or faded as quickly - as Patrick Procktor. Now, a landmark London exhibition is set to rescue this master watercolourist from the shadows of art history, reintroducing his vibrant, sensual work to a new generation.
The Swinging London Sensation
During the height of Swinging London, Procktor emerged as one of Britain's most exciting artistic talents. His delicate yet daring watercolours captured the spirit of an era defined by sexual liberation and cultural revolution. Unlike many of his contemporaries who embraced oil and abstraction, Procktor remained devoted to the traditionally English medium of watercolour, transforming it into something thoroughly modern and provocative.
'He brought a contemporary sensibility to a very traditional medium,' explains exhibition curator, Eleanor Nairne. 'There was something incredibly fresh and immediate about his work that perfectly captured the mood of the times.'
A Life of Contradictions
Procktor's life story reads like a novel of artistic triumph and personal tragedy. Handsome, charismatic and openly gay at a time when homosexuality remained illegal, he moved effortlessly between high society and the avant-garde. His circle included everyone from David Hockney to George Melly, and his early success seemed to promise a glittering career.
Yet by the 1980s, his star had begun to wane. Changing artistic tastes and personal struggles with alcoholism saw him drift into relative obscurity. When he died in 2003, many outside the art world had forgotten his significant contribution to British cultural life.
The Rediscovery
This comprehensive exhibition represents the most significant reassessment of Procktor's work in decades. Featuring over 80 pieces spanning his entire career, it showcases both his celebrated portraits and his lesser-known travel works from China and Russia.
Key highlights include:
- Early portraits of 1960s icons and friends
- Sensual male nudes that challenged contemporary conventions
- Vibrant travel works from his journeys abroad
- Rare archival material documenting his life and relationships
A Legacy Restored
What makes Procktor's rediscovery so timely is how contemporary his work feels today. His exploration of queer identity and his fusion of traditional technique with modern subject matter speaks directly to current artistic concerns.
'Looking at his work now, it's astonishing how relevant it feels,' says Nairne. 'There's a transparency and honesty in his watercolours that gives them incredible emotional power. He may have been forgotten for a time, but this exhibition proves his art has lost none of its ability to move and surprise us.'
The exhibition not only restores Procktor to his rightful place in the story of British art but invites us to reconsider what makes an artist's legacy endure. In an art world often obsessed with the new, it's a powerful reminder that some of the most exciting discoveries can be found by looking back.
