Philip Gardner
1922 - 1986
As well as the much-loved Norfolk scenery, Philip Gardner painted London street scenes, poignant figure studies, and skilful impressions of sports such as cricket, golf, squash, racing and fishing. His pictures are avidly collected across the world, and are included in the personal collections of three members of the Royal FamilyAfter serving as a Spitfire pilot in the Fleet Air Arm, Philip Gardner spent twenty five years as a Creative Director in advertising, before forsaking London for that hauntingly beautiful part of North Norfolk which is bounded by salt marsh and tidal creek. This was undoubtedly the influence that led him to become a full-time artist, and many of his watercolours are of the Norfolk coast.
His work is evocative, impressionistic and economical, although his watercolours may include a figure or two - a baitdigger thigh-booting his way across a muddy creek, children playing beach cricket or a wildfowler with his dog.