Gary Bunt British , 1957-2025
-
Works
-
Crucifixion Near McAslin Street, 2013£ 37,500.00 -
The Boy Who Read Woolf, 2013£ 37,500.00
-
Bowls, 2012
-
The Love Catchers II, 2005
-
Cell Block H, 2012
-
Friends, 2021
-
Man at Work
-
The Ark, 2013
-
The Man Who Found God£ 75.00
-
-
Biography
Central to many of his works is the recurring figure of Bert, often accompanied by his dog. Originally inspired by Bunt’s father, Bert gradually evolved into a more universal and autobiographical presence - an everyman figure through whom the artist explored memory, place, and identity. Through Bert’s gentle journeys - across fields, along rivers, and through coastal paths - Bunt invites viewers into a familiar yet deeply felt version of the British landscape.
Born in East Peckham, Bunt’s path to becoming a celebrated artist was anything but conventional. Entirely self-taught, he began his working life as a bricklayer before gradually turning to painting, initially earning extra income by decorating pub signs. From these humble beginnings, he went on to become one of the country’s most sought-after artists, with exhibitions that consistently sold out—an extraordinary achievement that speaks to the deep and enduring connection audiences felt with his work.
Bunt’s paintings are rooted in the everyday, yet elevated by a profound sensitivity to the quiet beauty of ordinary life. His scenes - often centred on rural landscapes, village settings, and simple daily rituals - resonate through their sincerity and emotional clarity. While sometimes described as “quaint,” such a label fails to capture the depth of his practice. His work instead offers a contemplative reflection on presence, contentment, and what it means to live fully within one’s own world.
A defining moment in Bunt’s life came in 2001, when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This experience shaped not only his outlook but also his artistic philosophy. Resolving to live and create without reservation, he embraced a newfound freedom, guided by the belief that “it doesn’t matter anymore.” This sense of release and honesty is deeply embedded in his work, giving rise to paintings that are both intimate and quietly profound.
Stylistically, Bunt drew inspiration from the traditions of Modern British art, particularly artists such as Alfred Wallis, Christopher Wood, and Winifred Nicholson. Yet his voice remained entirely distinct. His compositions are instantly recognisable, characterised by their charm, clarity, and a uniquely personal visual language.
Central to many of his works is the recurring figure of Bert, often accompanied by his dog. Originally inspired by Bunt’s father, Bert gradually evolved into a more universal and autobiographical presence - an everyman figure through whom the artist explored memory, place, and identity. Through Bert’s gentle journeys - across fields, along rivers, and through coastal paths - Bunt invites viewers into a familiar yet deeply felt version of the British landscape.
EXHIBTION HISTORY
2025 Saatchi Gallery, London: Marrows, Spuds and Onions
2024 The Gardener Who Went To Heaven
2023 Saatchi Gallery, London: The Simple Things
2022 The Creation
2022 Rooms With A View
2022 Portland Gallery The Man Who Found God
2021 Portland Gallery Modern British Tribute Paintings
2021 Portland Gallery Seeds, Sea and Snow
2020 Portland Gallery Country Life
2020 Cathedral Tour – Liverpool, Ely, Winchester, Ripon and London
2019 Portland Gallery Sentimental Journey
2017 Portland Gallery A Man for all Seasons
2016 Portland Gallery By The Grace of God
2016 Portland Gallery
2015 Portland Gallery
2013 Portland Gallery
2012 Portland Gallery
2010 Portland Gallery
2009 Portland Gallery (Art London)
2009 Portland Gallery
2008 Portland Gallery (Art London)
