When I first started having exhibitions at 286, visitors would often say “You know, I remember coming to see Edward Bell next door in the 80s”.
I remembered Edward Bell from the 80s too, though we never met back then. Tall, handsome and rather debauched looking, with the face of a fallen angel, I used to see him drifting about Chelsea and wondered “Who's that guy?”. I found out that he did these stunning great portraits, as stylish as Andy Warhol's but with a more painterly touch. Dead glamorous. Also he illustrated and photographed for Vogue & Tatler and, most famously, painted the David Bowie 'Scary Monsters' album cover.
Then, in 2001, I held an exhibition of Prudence Walters paintings. Pru was a top-ranking make-up artist in the 80s and I discovered that she and Edward were great pals. They had remained in touch, she introduced us and we got on well. In 2003 I persuaded Edward to revisit his old Earl's Court haunts and we staged his “Re-Nude” exhibition in the gallery, literally the other side of the wall from his old studio.
In the intervening period Edward had opted out of the London scene and lived life at the opposite extreme, in rural Ireland, where he devoted himself to Landscape painting, his art acquiring a maturity and depth in the process.
This year Edward returned for a second exhibition, “Pulse - Landscapes - At Home with Animals”, the content of which, as with Re-Nude, contrasted his love for Nature and Countryside with a sharp Pop sensibility, the two sides of the man's character acknowledged and in balance.
Now I am proud to announce that Gallery 286 will be representing Edward Bell for portrait commissions, enabling London clients to join a distinguished and talented cast of previous Bell sitters, including:
David Bowie
Pierre Cardin
Lady Michael Cecil
Hazel O'Connor
Chrissie Hynde
Elton John
Zandra Rhodes
Janet Street-Porter
Lady Sylvie Thynne
Paul Weller
Kim Wilde
Edward produces portraits in charcoal, pastel & oil with prices starting at £3,000.
He works mainly from his own photographs so only one sitting is usually required.
If you would like a painting or drawing of yourself, a loved one, your dog or your horse, looking a million dollars (but happily not at that elevated price) Edward is your man. He likes to make people look their best and if that involves a little visual flattery, so what? It's all about image isn't it?
Here, on the Gallery 286 website, you will find a small portfolio of Edward Bell's portrait work, and if you come to the gallery I can show you some originals. Why not get Edward to immortalise someone special in his inimitable way? He's got the style it takes...
Jonathan Ross
November 2006
To discuss a portrait commission by Edward Bell, telephone Jonathan Ross
on 020 7370 2239 or email