James Hayes Show
‘In Light of Portraits’
29 Cadogan Square,
London
SW1X 0HU

I was privileged to have a personal invitation to James’ first solo exhibition, writes Wayne Spilsbury. James is becoming an established London based portrait painter at his famous Victorian studio in Artists’ Row on Talgarth Road. On my last visit there with Kings’ students he had been excitedly telling me about his plan to use an elegant town house off Knightsbridge as an exhibition venue, with portraits hung as if in a family home.

I arrived at 29 Cadogan Square to be met by a huge throng of people in the various stripped back rooms on two floors. Even the large feature marble staircase and landing had pieces enticing you to explore further. I had no idea that James had been so productive, given that his way of working means that pieces will often take months and occasionally years.

The centre piece was a huge regimental portrait of Field Marshall the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank. Lord Guthrie made a speech in which he explained that the sittings had taken place over two years and that he had gained great respect for James in that time, becoming fascinated by his approach and hugely impressed by the talents on display of other commissions. In fact many of the sitters were present and it was fun fitting people to their portraits.

James works in a traditional manner, inspired by the work of John Singer Sargent in particular and is indebted to his studies at the Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence. His studies in Florence were inspired by a School art trip there back in 2001.

It was an honour to be presented to Lord Guthrie and very humbling to be hugged by Colonel Hayes with the statement “this is where it all started”. I am so proud of James’ achievements and am sure that he is destined for a great career.

The show runs daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. closing on 19^th June.

Wayne Spilsbury - Head of Art