WHAT? Alison Watt: From Light 

WHERE? Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ

WHEN?  Now until 15th June 

WHY GO?  For a meditative moment. Nothing is quite as it seems when contemplating Watt’s intriguing artwork on show in John Soane’s country Manor which has been a prime source of inspiration for this award winning artist.

As eclectic as the great man himself, whose own art collections are famously housed in the formidable Soane museum, Pitzhanger Manor's light filled gallery offers the perfect pristine background for Watt’s slightly surreal work which ranges from simple paintings of folded and draped fabrics to pink roses as they open, bloom, wither and decay (there are four as a series).

Engaging and thought provoking, and in parts grisly, there's a ‘death mask’ painting of Oliver Cromwell that would not look out of place in Madame Tussauds.

Watt describes herself as a solitary painter, lover of light and the illusion of hinting at images empowering them with more depth. She aims to give ordinary things more dignity and create stories around them.

It’s pleasing to create your own stories around her meditative work as you wander through this beautiful gallery that leads out into the stunning greenery of Walpole Park.

IN THE KNOW Art runs in the Watt’s family. Scottish born Alison is the daughter of esteemed Marine artist James Watt who died in 2022. His own studios were full of fascinating curiosities including animal skulls and taxidermy, many of which she inherited and inspire her work today.  She was awarded an OBE in 2008.