Raoul Shah's Blog

I recently had the privilege to visit the studio where a significant amount of artist William Turnbull’s work is kept. It’s an unassuming place from the outside, but it hides a fascinating and extensive collection of his works including paintings, sculptures and drawings. His son, Alex, is a good friend and took me on a guided tour of the key pieces which provided an insight into what was happening in European art and culture from the 1940′s onwards. Bill was one of the forefathers of modern art and, of particular note, is Bill’s involvement with ‘The Independent Group’ in the 1950′s – a movement that was at the genesis of pop art (and had the spirit of punk 25 years before its time). His work, life and artistic journey have been turned into a film directed by Alex, featuring a great soundtrack by 23 Skidoo.  The movie, ‘Beyond Time,’ recently premiered at the ICA – an event hosted by Nicholas Serota and the film’s narrator Jude Law. Amongst many incredible stories, there’s a moment where a renowned collector and dealer states that the only artist who’s work deserves to sit alongside a room full of Rothko’s is that of William Turnbull! It’s never too late.