Original Artworks by Peter Brook
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If you had found yourself off the beaten track in Calderdale’s Dean Valley and you stumbled across man and his border collie you would think you had come across a local farmer. However it could have been Peter Brook observing the landscape he loved with such passion he re-created it in his oil paintings which became collected by people, all over the world,both with and without connections to Yorkshire. Peter specialised in capturing the raw essence of the manmade and natural landscape in these untamed places more successfully than any other northern artist to-date. His snowy landscapes of the Pennines with the mist covered desolate farms or his striking sunrises and sunsets illuminating the land where the cultivation stops and the moorland begins are all unmistakeable.
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Works
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Biography
Peter Brook was born in Scholes, West Yorkshire, in 1927. He grew up surrounded by the rugged landscapes and rural communities that would later become the primary subjects of his paintings. He initially trained as a teacher at Goldsmiths College, London, before returning to Yorkshire, where he worked as an art teacher while developing his painting practice.
Brook’s artistic career took off in the 1960s when he began exhibiting widely across the UK. He gained national recognition for his evocative portrayals of the Yorkshire countryside and its inhabitants, particularly the rural farming life that was disappearing with modernisation.
He was elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) in 1962, marking a significant milestone in his career. His work was collected by notable institutions, and he exhibited in major galleries, particularly in the North of England. His popularity soared in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to numerous successful exhibitions.
His paintings have been widely collected and continue to be admired for their nostalgic yet honest portrayal of the British landscape. Today, his works remain highly sought after, with many collectors valuing his unique approach to capturing the character of rural England.
Brook worked primarily in oils, though he also used acrylics, pen, and ink for sketches and smaller works. His brushwork was loose yet precise enough to convey the textures of stone walls, trees, and rolling hills.
Peter Brook’s paintings stand as a lasting tribute to the northern English landscape, documenting a way of life that has changed over time. His work remains deeply popular among collectors and continues to be exhibited. Galleries across the UK, particularly in Yorkshire, still celebrate his contribution to British landscape painting.
His trademark became the inclusion of himself and his dog in many of his paintings. Brook's work is held in the Tate Gallery and he has featured, twice, in the annual desk diaries
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FAQs
Peter Brook (1927–2009) was a British landscape painter best known for his evocative depictions of the Yorkshire moors and northern countryside. Born in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, he was deeply connected to the landscapes he painted, often portraying remote farmhouses, vast open skies, and rural scenes. Peter had had a succession of dogs, all border collies - there was Bob, Tip, Tess and Shep, his last, who is often seen in his paintings, with those unique chevron markings on his back. Dogs feature in many of his paintings, the theme of the sheep dog peering under a gap in the door being a popular subject! His work was grounded in realism but carried a distinct personal touch, capturing the quiet beauty of the everyday. A self-taught artist and former teacher, Brook’s paintings reflect his deep appreciation for the character of the North, often featuring himself and his loyal dog wandering through the scenery. His work remains highly regarded and is collected by enthusiasts worldwide.
Peter Brooks works can be purchased through Contemporary Six which has galleries in both central Manchester and Hale. Peter Brooks works are highly sought after, and availability varies, so it is advisable to check the website regularly or contact the gallery for updates. Prices on original paintings depend on factors like size, subject matter and provenance.
Peter is most famous for his Yorkshire snow scenes but also painted some other areas of the UK. He worked with Agnews for many years with numerous exhibitions in London as well as the US and Australia although Peter never travelled abroad himself. Peter wouldn't travel abroad and when asked why, he simply said it was because he wasn't allowed to take his dog on an aeroplane.His early years saw him paint Mills, Terraced Streets and Cornish Tin Mines set against the cliffs and the wave breaking Atlantic. After an introduction to Hannah Hauxwell Peter over the years painted a series of works showing the harsh realities of life for this single shepherdess, living alone on an isolated farm coping with her flock in heavy snowfall and icy conditions and also the farm in the freshness of spring and warmth of summer. It was however the vast Yorkshire moors that remained Peter’s inspiration for his much celebrated works.
Peter used a small roller which he had for over 45 years to give his images a smooth texture. Straighter edges were made by a newer roller, or occasionally a scalpel. He would smudge and adjust his paint by using his hands, or rags. It seemed he rarely used brushes, though they had their place in his repertoire. Years of experience gave him the confidence to achieve the effect he wanted exactly. In his studio he would often have up to a dozen paintings, all at different stages, waiting (as he would say) for the “inevitable to happen”. In his early years Peter often mixed sandstone (acquired at a local quarry) into his oils to give the buildings and walls more texture and realism. By the 1970’s he strove for a flatter, smoother effect, and would use thinned paint smoothed by rags, fingers and rollers. Peter was a ‘painters painter’ – deeply concerned by composition, shape and texture. One of Peter’s trademarks is the way he writes his titles at the bottom of his paintings (and sometimes up the side of them!) .. some, find this irritating but for the majority it's part of his enduring appeal. Some captions are straightforward descriptions of the painting you're viewing such as "Drawing a Good View in the Pennines" ,Some contain a good dose of irony such as "2 sheep with a certain savour-faire". Some are poetic such as "Time Passed (Time) Past” and some.... well some are just 'Peter' .... such as "Man Keeping His Pigeons Flying With a Long Brush"!! Peter's captions are not so much obtrusive as inclusive, inviting the viewer in, asking us to share the moment, perhaps even share the joke...
Peter Brook's inclusion of himself and Shep was a way to make his paintings feel more personal and relatable. It allowed viewers to see the artist's point of view and experience the landscape through his eyes. After Shep's death Peter continued to include Shep in his paintings, often placing him on the other side of a bank, watching him. This was Peter's way of honouring his beloved companion. Brook’s inclusion of himself was never self-important; rather, it was a way to bring warmth and familiarity to his work. His figures are often depicted as solitary wanderers, reinforcing themes of contemplation, nostalgia, and a deep connection to the land. This approach makes his paintings more relatable, inviting the viewer to imagine their own experiences within the scene.
Yes, Peter Brook’s paintings are highly collectable and continue to appreciate in value. His work is sought after due to its distinctive style, emotional depth, and strong connection to northern England. Prices for his original paintings can vary widely, depending on factors such as size, subject, and provenance. Limited edition prints of his work are also popular, offering a more affordable way for collectors to own a piece of his artistry. The demand for Brook’s paintings remains strong, especially through reputable galleries like Contemporary Six, where buyers can be assured of authenticity and quality.
