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If ever an artist “ploughed his own furrow”, Geoffrey Chatten did.
This understated brilliant artist did things in his own inimitable way, with outstanding results and much artistic skill.
Some would say Geoffrey was somewhat reclusive; I never found him to be that way.
Born in Gorleston in 1938, he was never far away from the local countryside and coastal environment.
He had no formal training in painting but exhibited, first-class exhibits, every time. It was Geoffrey’s ability to capture the scene in his own way.
Michaelmas Daisies (Image: Geoffrey Chatten) A full member of the Royal Society of British Artists since 1995, and a regular exhibitor at The Great Yarmouth Society of Artists Annual Exhibition, of which he was a member.
I remember seeing a painting of ‘Great Yarmouth Hall Quay”, as seen from a first-floor window, in it was traffic, people, dogs, cars, lights and all, encapsulating the moment perfectly, painted in a very large format; something like 4’ x 5’, which added even more to the actual impression of the painting. It was painted of its day.
His style, many would call ‘impressionistic’, to some extent this is why the light, colour and movement were captured perfectly.
The medium he used, mainly oil, gave a great depth to the painting, both in colour, light and movement. He was equally supremely confident with still life.
One of my favourite paintings is a large oil of hyacinths in a bowl; they are full of skill in the presentation but they look real.
Hyacinths (Image: Geoffrey Chatten) Each time you go up to it, you expect it to have that wonderful aroma.
His Michaelmas Daisies painted looked so real, standing out from the canvas, adding brightness to any room.
Whilst so many of his local contemporaries sought to paint historic nostalgia, river scenes with wherries and the like, this was not Geoffrey’s way, and I think, this is why his paintings at an exhibition, always stood out.
Geoffrey always made certain that the items were framed well, because bad framing does not enhance a good picture.
This local man with a simple way of life, could be seen riding his old bike around Gorleston, to his small terraced home with no frills and fancies.
I think it has taken us until now to really appreciate what we had in Geoffrey, as so often happens, under-valued until their passing.
A comment from a mutual friend, Damian Eaton, who knew Geoffrey well.
“One of the things I liked about Geof’s work was how he created art from subjects that were not obviously attractive; a still live of raw fish and lemons or the flat black earth of the Fens.
“He had an artist’s eye noticing details on buildings or in the landscape and how subtle changes in light affected them.
“I remember him pointing these things out to me. He took delight in things well made whether they were expensive hand made shoes or just some particularly well made screws.
“He once had some rubble sacks because he liked their particular shade of green. As you know, he was particular about his frames which were often specially made for him.
“I can’t remember the name of the frame maker. He also insisted on good quality paints and brushes buying them at Cornelissen’s in London.
Landscape; Towards the Waveney and Yare from Fritton (Image: Geoffrey Chatten) “He loved good quality art books and I have known him to spend several hundred pounds on one book.
“It hasn’t quite sunk in that I will no longer be able to sit chatting to Geof, hearing his insisive comments on art and life in general, in his house smelling of linseed oil and paint, surrounded by paintings, frames (high quality), sketch books and all sorts of interesting objects.
“Geof was a very talented artist but also a good person, a good friend and good company. We will miss him.”
It was a pleasure to have known Geoffrey Chatten, to have visited his home and to own his paintings; a true Norfolk ‘Great’, that I hope from now on, his paintings will be enjoyed with even greater appreciation than ever before.
Mike Hicks has run Stalham Antique Gallery at 29 High Street, Stalham (NR12 9AH) for more than 30 years. His business is open Mondays to Fridays from 9am-1pm and 2-4.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9am-1pm. You can contact Mike on 01692 580636 or info@mikehicksantiques.co.uk or www.mikehicksantiques.co.uk
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