Patrick Heron

Patrick Heron (1920–1999) was a British painter and writer celebrated for his vibrant explorations of colour and form. Born in Leeds, he spent much of his life in Cornwall, where the coastal light and landscape deeply influenced his work. Early in his career, Heron was inspired by artists like Cézanne, Matisse, and Braque, leading to a shift from figurative painting to abstraction. His compositions often feature bold, interlocking shapes and luminous colour fields, reflecting his belief in the expressive power of colour.
 

In 1956, Heron moved permanently to Eagles Nest in Zennor, Cornwall, marking a significant period of artistic development. There, he produced his renowned 'stripe' paintings and later, his 'wobbly hard-edge' works, characterized by dynamic forms and vibrant hues. Beyond painting, Heron was an influential art critic, contributing essays that championed modernist principles. His work was exhibited widely, including major retrospectives at Tate Britain and the Barbican Art Gallery.

Heron's contributions to art extended to design, notably creating a stained-glass window for Tate St Ives. His paintings are held in prominent collections such as the Tate, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Through his innovative use of colour and form, Heron remains a pivotal figure in post-war British art.