Philip Sutton RA – Nothing is so beautiful as spring

DescriptionPhilip Sutton RA (b. 1928, Poole, Dorset) is a celebrated British painter known for his vibrant use of colour and joyful approach to subject matter. Raised in London’s East End, he left school at 14, later serving in the RAF during the Berlin Airlift before studying at The Slade School of Fine Art under William Coldstream. There he met his wife Heather, with whom he shared a lifelong creative partnership.Sutton’s early promise was recognised with prizes and scholarships, leading him to paint in Spain, France and Italy before joining the Slade’s teaching staff (1954 – 63). Elected to The London Group in the 1950s, he went on to exhibit widely in London, across the UK, Europe, the US and Australia, with works acquired by major collections including Tate.A Royal Academician since 1988, Sutton has painted across mediums – canvas, printmaking, ceramics and design. Now in his nineties and based in Dorset, he continues to work prolifically, his art characterised by curiosity, vitality and colour.