Sir Roger de Grey Original Antique British Artist President of the Royal Academy Landscape of Path Near Montmartre France Oil Painting Fine Art
Original antique British landscape by the former President of the Royal Academy, (1984-1993, Sir Roger de Grey, (1918-1995). The painting is in excellent original condition and is in the antique late 1930s French style frame. There is a gallery card/identifier verso of the painting, previously attached to the gallery wrapping, stating, "Norman H. English, Vesey Gallery, 30a and 30b High Street Sutton Coldfield - Antiques, Fine Art, Framing", etc. The painting measures approximately 10.3"W X 12.75"H, plus frame. The painting is still in the original antique custom frame, (circa 1930).
Sir Roger de Grey, KCVO PRA (18 April 1918 – 14 February 1995) was a highly esteemed British landscape painter renowned for his captivating artworks. Notably, he served as the President of the Royal Academy from 1984 to 1993.
Early life and Career Born as the youngest of three children to Lieutenant-Commander Nigel de Grey (1886–1951) of the Royal Navy and Florence, the daughter of Spencer William Gore, Sir Roger de Grey hailed from a notable lineage that traced back to distinguished figures such as Arthur Gore, 2nd Earl of Arran, John Ponsonby, 4th Earl of Bessborough, and Thomas de Grey, 5th Baron Walsingham. His artistic journey commenced at Chelsea Polytechnic, where he studied art from 1936 to 1939. During World War II, he served in the Royal Armoured Corps. Following the war, he returned to Chelsea to complete his artistic studies from 1946 to 1947, under the guidance of esteemed tutors like Ceri Richards, Robert Medley, Harold Sandys Williamson, and Raymond Coxon. De Grey specialized in landscape painting, often capturing the beauty of Kent and France through plein air techniques, refining his works in his studio. In 1954, he held his inaugural solo exhibition at the Thomas Agnew & Sons Gallery, which propelled his career forward. Subsequently, he showcased his artworks at prestigious venues like the Tate Gallery, Royal Academy, and various international exhibitions, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after artist.
Teaching and Administration De Grey made significant contributions to art education and administration throughout his career. He commenced his journey as a Lecturer at King's College, Newcastle upon Tyne, from 1947 to 1951, subsequently assuming the position of Master of Painting at the Royal College of Art from 1951 to 1953. He further excelled as a Senior Tutor and Reader in Painting at the Royal College of Art from 1953 to 1973. His profound dedication to education led him to serve as the Principal of the City and Guilds of London Art School from 1973 until his passing in 1995. As a Trustee of Paintings in Hospitals from 1971, he facilitated the acquisition of artworks by Royal Academicians, fostering the growth of the charity. Moreover, he served as a Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery from 1984 to 1995. De Grey's contributions to the artistic community were recognized when he was elected an Associate member of the Royal Academy in 1962, subsequently becoming a full Academician in 1969. He served as the Treasurer of the Royal Academy under Sir Hugh Casson from 1976 to 1984 before assuming the role of President in 1984. In October 1993, he was elected Senior RA and received honorary membership of the Royal West of England Academy of Art (RWA) in 1994.
Family Knighted in 1991 for his notable contributions to British art, Sir Roger de Grey's remarkable artistic legacy was commemorated through a posthumous exhibition of his works at the Royal Academy in 1996. The Tate Gallery and Arts Council of Great Britain hold several examples of his artwork. In 1942, he married Flavia Hatt RA (formerly Irwin), a renowned artist in her own right, who passed away in London in 1995 at the age of 77. Sir Roger and Lady de Grey were blessed with three children: Spencer, Robert, and Emilia.
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