Charles Oakley (1925-2008) - Interior with Muybridge and Eakins Panels, 1998

Charles Oakley (1925-2008)

Interior with Muybridge and Eakins Panels, 1998

Acrylic on Paper

Signed and dated

52 x 74 cm

78 x 100 cm (Frame)

Charles Oakley was a celebrated British painter and educator known for his surrealist-inflected visions of ruins, machinery, and intricately constructed miniature “doll box” interiors. Oakley grew up in Urmston, Manchester, the son of an engineer, but previous generations were sailors, and often meant his work leant into maritime subject matter.

Serving with the Royal Artillery during the war he studied at the Slade after demobbing, studying under William Townsend and William Coldstream. After graduating he moved back North and started a long career in education, initially at Eden School in Carlisle, later holding positions at institutions including the Belfast College of Art and Newcastle Polytechnic. His first solo exhibition was in 1957 at the Cran Kalman Gallery and opened by L.S. Lowry.

Initially a landscape painter, his later works often evoked theatrical or dreamlike spaces filled with historical references, architectural fragments, and objects arranged with trompe-l'œil precision. His work was strongly influence by Dutch masters, Vermeer, Metsu, Terborch, but also modern masters like Hopper.

This large work in acrylic on paper work cites Edward Muybridge and Thomas Eakins, the latter a strong influence on Oakley’s later work, see ‘The Eakins Studio’ 1986. The Independent’s obituary gives a brilliant overview of his life and work.

Please note that orders from outside the United Kingdom may require additional shipping and customs charges, please contact us for more information.

ARR of 4% will need to be added to the sale price of this item post sale.