Francis's career in art on show in Radlett

STILL life, landscapes and flowers painted in oils by the late Francis Gower go on display at The Radlett Centre for a month from next Tuesday, September 1. A recognised talent from an early age, Francis was a man of many talents whose work ranged from th

STILL life, landscapes and flowers painted in oils by the late Francis Gower go on display at The Radlett Centre for a month from next Tuesday, September 1.

A recognised talent from an early age, Francis was a man of many talents whose work ranged from those on show at the exhibition to his experience of working in psychiatric hospitals during World War II.

He painted a series of pictures depicting his time there entitled Private Worlds which were shown on ITV in 1985 and will be exhibited in Dresden this year.

He also enjoyed portrait painting, whether a swift pastel sketch or highly finished and detailed, with his wife Moira and sons David and Anthony frequent models. But he also painted Lord Donald Soper, the late Bishop Peter Mumford and retiring headmistress Eileen Dawney.

During his career he built up extensive teaching experience and among his mature students was Patrick Gordon Walker while Quentin Crisp was among his life models.

His works are in collections all across the world and a selection can be seen in the Ground Floor Gallery at The Radlett Centre until October 3. Admission is free.

l An exhibition of the work of Murray Freedman entitled Calm Images in a Troubled World is being shown from next Wednesday, September 2, until Friday, October 2, at the Apthorp Gallery at The Radlett Centre.

Murray is a contemporary photographer whose work mirrors modern life.