Reg Cartwright

The essence of Reg Cartwright's paintings is simplicity within a complex structure of semi-abstraction, tone and colour. The careful placing of everyday objects within this overall plan, stripped of all superfluities, creates a powerful and harmonious design. His work has an affinity with the St. Ives School, and he is continuing in the tradition of British Modernism. He uses familiar objects as a pretext for examining complex spatial relationships. His use of flattened perspective, a range of muted to bright colours and a strong wit all contribute to the vision his paintings convey.


Reg Cartwright was born in Leicester in 1938. He was educated at Gateway Boy's School, before National Service as a musician with the Leicestershire Regiment (1957-60). Before becoming a full time painter in 1974, he worked for thirteen years in various studios as a commercial artist and art director. He was awarded the MSIA for illustration and graphics, and has illustrated more than thirty books for young readers
 
He began exhibiting in 1972, principally with the Portal Gallery in London, an association that continued for some years. Since then, in addition to exhibitions in other London galleries, there have been shows in many parts of the country, and several with Cambridge Contemporary Art.

Reg is listed in the Dictionary of 20th Century British Book Illustrators.