AN EXHIBITION by a president is expected to be a popular attraction at a Harpenden art gallery. Peter Wileman, the president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, is exhibiting at the A&K Wilson Gallery in Station Approach from next week. Founded in 188

AN EXHIBITION by a president is expected to be a popular attraction at a Harpenden art gallery.

Peter Wileman, the president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, is exhibiting at the A&K Wilson Gallery in Station Approach from next week.

Founded in 1882, the Institute is proud of its royal status, granted by King Edward VII in 1909, as well as the many famous artists who have exhibited with them over the years.

The current membership of the Institute includes many of the leading oil painters in the UK, among them several Royal Academicians.

But Peter is nothing like the preconceived idea of a president of such an ancient and august society - he is neither tweedy nor fusty but has tremendous drive and enthusiasm and a forward-thinking positivity.

He worked in the field of art and design for over 40 years, his first job being with a top publishing company studying lettering and design.

He then became the art editor of a number of magazines and with a natural talent for painting himself and considerable experience under his belt, he decided to work freelance to develop his own work.

His style is bold and vigorous, both in the use of colour and the handling of the paint and he seeks atmosphere through light and colour, working in various degrees of abstraction.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, October 24, and a selection of Peter's work can be viewed at www.akwilsongallery.co.uk