Over thirty new marine paintings and drawings feature in this first solo exhibition at this gallery by John Scott Martin PRBSA FRSA.  Scott Martin’s  principle interest is in classic yachts, selecting some of the world’s most beautiful boats as his subjects.  The artist’s initial reference and research is derived from his own photographic material, a task that involves extensive travel in Europe in search of stimulating images of sail. 

Scott Martin’s career in the visual arts began on leaving Art College as a graphic designer. This soon progressed into both illustration and photographic specialisms. Later, he moved into design management and in the late 70s became the creative director of one of the UK's leading mail order houses. This background led the artist to an important appointment with Sotheby's in London as the Director in charge of catalogue production. From the mid 80's onwards Scott Martin worked as a freelance fashion art director and then as an illustrator working with major UK clients.

Alongside his professional practice as a marine and landscape artist, Scott Martin is currently also a principal examiner for art and design for A level and vocational qualifications.

The artist is also much inspired by East Coast sail which naturally includes Thames barges making the location of this exhibition entirely appropriate:  "I now understand why some of Britain's major marine artists have found this south eastern corner of England so inspirational.  A sense of history pervades out at sea as much as it does on the land."