Biography

Maurice Cockrill had the kind of meteoric rise to fame that all aspiring artists wish for, going from studying painting in evening classes in the late 1950’s so as not to affect his variety of day jobs, to being made Head of the Royal Academy Schools and Keeper of the Royal Academy of Arts. Described by many as ‘the painter’s painter’, he has emerged from essentially humble beginnings in Hartlepool to be embraced by the artistic world and heralded as a pioneer for colourists. His work embodies a kinetic energy, a vital and vibrant life all its own, which is utterly unique to not only the artist, but to every piece produced. When any new work is unveiled it produces a nervous anticipation amongst critics and the public alike, because whilst any work produced by Cockrill is instantly recognisable, the paintings are so different from one series to the next, one never quite knows where he will lead the viewer.

As you may imagine, an artist like Maurice Cockrill has shown both nationally and globally at some of the best known galleries, but his record speaks equally of smaller exhibitions and regional galleries which demonstrate his understanding of remaining accessible to everyone. A small selection of these shows includes Bernard Jacobson, Adam Gallery, Royal Cambrian Academy, Ogilvy and Estill Gallery, Walker Art Gallery, Newlyn Art Gallery and Belgrave Gallery. Internationally, Cockrill’s work has been shown in America, France, Germany, Australia and Holland and can be found in numerous public collections throughout Britain.