Even in these years of renewed longevity, reaching 70 is a significant milestone in any life. It allows a painter a little pause for reflection and where deserved, a certain amount of laurel resting. Charles has exhibited with us since our earliest incarnation in Shepherd Market, holding regular one man shows and becoming a pillar of our annual Scottish Show. We are delighted to have the honour of hosting his 70th birthday exhibition after such an enjoyable and enduring association.

The exhibition is not a retrospective or survey of Charles’ decades at the easel, but a statement of where he finds himself now. A body of 44 new paintings, each a masterclass in the handling of paint, applied with a confidence that only comes from an artist of Charles’ experience and maturity. Throughout, he maintains the freshness and grasp of light and tone that have made him such a popular artist amongst collectors of contemporary Scottish landscapes. After 30 years immersed in Scottish art, I still don’t know a painter of snow who can surpass him. We wish him a very happy birthday and 30 more productive years with a brush!