Date
26th February 2025

A Happy New Year to all !

Our first event for 2025 is a visit to the Cork Street gallery of Messums where we will be celebrating the new exhibition from Britain’s leading artist, Antony Williams, RP, NEAC. Antony is the reigning National Portrait Gallery’s Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award winner, having taken first-prize in this prestigious global award for portraits in 2024. His winning portrait is currently on loan to the National Portrait Gallery.

Based on intense observation, particularly of human flesh, Antony’s painting creates a heightened sense of realism. He has painted portraits of notable sitters including Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, actor Sir Donald Sinden, theoretical physicist and former President of Corpus Christi Sir Steve Cowley, economist and former Provost of The Queen’s College Sir Alan Budd, cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, Queen Elizabeth II (which elicited controversy for the depiction of her hands) and raconteur-writer-broadcaster Gyles Brandreth who will be present on the evening to give a special introduction to Antony and his work exclusively for OUS-London.

This exhibition at Messums incorporates a new body of Antony’s work from the study of still life alongside portraits and a selection of drawings. OUS-London members will hear from and meet the artist himself as well as mingle with fellow Oxonians and guests during a Champagne & Canapé reception.

Full details and booking form will be e-mailed to OUS-London members.