Landmark new exhibition opens at THG

A major new exhibition has opened at Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) in Honiton, Devon.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view the work of leading figurative artists, both contemporary and historic.

The works in 'Looking for Appearance' reflect the artists’ personal ideas and processes exploring visual appearances.

THG has secured important historic works from private collections, which are exhibited together for the first time. The internationally renowned artists include co-founders of the Euston Road School: Claude Rogers, Graham Bell, Victor Pasmore and Sir William Coldstream as well as Euan Uglow, Patrick George, Patrick Symons and Myles Murphy.

The gallery's namesake, Thelma Hulbert, was part of the Euston Road School alongside Coldstream and Rogers. A beautiful sketch of Hulbert by Sir William Coldstream makes its first public appearance since it was exhibited at the Tate gallery in London.

Alongside these historic works, the exhibition showcases works by 34 leading contemporary artists:

Robert Amesbury Brooks, Jill Barthorpe, James Bland, Claudia Carr, Peter Clossick, Alex Cree, Sarah Dancey, Robert Dukes, Mark Dunford, Anthony Eyton RA, Trevor Felcey, Ann Gardner, Georgia Georgallas, Judi Green, Ben Henriques, Kate Hopkins, Victoria Jinivizian, James Lloyd, Lisa Micklewright, Andy Pankhurst, Jane Patterson, Alex Pemberton, Ian Poulton, Daniel Preece, Melissa Scott-Miller, Daniel Shadbolt, David Shutt, Laura Smith, Sarah Spackman, Charlotte Verity, Kay Vinson, Jason Walker, Gregory Ward, David Woodcock.

Gemma Girvan, THG Curator, said: "Looking for Appearance features drawing and painting at the very core of the exhibition. You can really feel the energy and passion of the artists throughout the exhibition — it comes through clearly in both the historic pieces and the contemporary works on display."

Councillor Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Sport, commented, "We are so proud to present the work of such distinguished artists alongside the work of these well established contemporary artists."

Looking for Appearance: open Tuesday to Saturday, 10-5 until 2 May 2026.
Artist Talk - Tim Craven and Mark Dunford in conversation: Saturday 21 March, 5-6pm. £5
Cardboard Portrait Workshop: Saturday 28 March, 11-3 with sculptor James Lake. £50/£45
Drawing Workshop: Saturday 2 May, 2-4.30. An introduction to measuring with Alex Cree. £50/45

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX, thelmahulbert.com