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I’m delighted to share that on 17th September 2026, "A New Paradise"will open at Watts Contemporary Gallery, at Watts Artists Village, alongside The Art of Wallpaper exhibition celebrating William Morris.
It feels particularly fitting to bring handmade art into a place shaped by G F and Mary Watts, whose belief that art could inspire and transform lives is still part of the character of this remarkable Surrey Hills site.
For me, "A New Paradise" is rooted in the beauty of the natural world and in the value of making things by hand – a quiet alternative to the mass-produced objects that increasingly surround us.
William Morris has been a significant influence on my practice through his belief that art should enrich everyday life and celebrate the beauty of the natural world.
My current paintings are inspired by time spent at my mother's bird sanctuary in South Wales, where I developed a deep appreciation for the vivid beauty and character of exotic birds. This early inspiration has culminated in my latest collection of paintings, where I explore the relationship between nature and ornament.
Morris's philosophy of uniting art, craft, and daily life resonates strongly with my work, celebrating both the intricate beauty of the natural world and the enduring tradition of bringing that beauty into the home.
Women In Arts Network - Artist Elizabeth Bessant
This Is for Anyone Who Thinks Taking Time Away from Art Means Falling Behind I Elizabeth Bessant
Mayfair Life
Artist Elizabeth Bessant
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Reclaim Magazine
Cutting Edge by Artist Elizabeth Bessant
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New Exhibition to Launch At Ad Lib Gallery by Artist Elizabeth Bessant - Darling Magazine
Elizabeth Bessant moves back to her artist route with a new exhibition at Ad Lib Gallery in Wimbledon Village this March.
This exhibition is called ‘Refashioned’ a reference to her career as a designer and that her source material for this exhibition of mixed media collages of ocean and landscapes, pop idols and icons comes from the glossy fashion magazines. Cutting and repositioning photos, logos and textures creates images that show how brands and fashion have influenced us and inspired our life choices. Words and comments are added as an observation on contemporary life.
She then coats the images with a high gloss resin, this reinstalls the glossy world of luxury brands and pop culture on the gallery wall where it makes a new statement
TO READ FULL ARTICLE
REFASHIONED 2024 SOLO EXHIBITION
Private View
Thursday 14th March 2024
6pm-8.30pm
Exhibition
15th to 24th March 2024
Monday 10.30am-4.30pm
Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-5.30pm
Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm
Ad Lib Gallery
10 Church Road
Wimbledon Village
SW19 5DL
REFASHIONED 2024 SOLO EXHIBITION
Elizabeth Bessant is an award-winning artist whose work has gone full circle. She started her career as a silkscreen printmaker in the 1980s’exhibiting at the Royal Academy, many UK galleries and international exhibitions in New York, LA and Paris.
Her journey has taken her through 28 years as a couture designer where fashion became her medium of expression dressing society women, couture brides and celebrities.
The world of luxury brands, advertising and media has influenced her work as she steps away from fashion and returns to her artist roots. Elizabeth appeared in Sky Arts ‘Landscape Artist of the Year’ in 2022.
This exhibition is called ‘Refashioned’ a reference to her career as a designer and that her source material for this exhibition of mixed media collages of ocean and landscapes, pop idols and icons comes from the glossy fashion magazines.
Cutting and repositioning photos, logos and textures creates images that show how brands and fashion have influenced us and inspired our life choices. Words and comments are added as an observation on contemporary life.
Once complete, the collages are transferred onto canvas and embellished with paint, ink, crystals, gems, glitter and gold leaf. Coating the images with a high gloss resin reinstalls the glossy world of luxury brands and pop culture on the gallery wall where it makes a new statement.
Elizabeth was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Artists in 2018 – her creative journey continues. Elizabeth says: ‘It’s the artist’s role to continually question and influence how people perceive the world.’
LANDSCAPE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2022
During the pandemic, like many others I spent many hours in isolation and this gave me time to return to my artist roots. I explored collage combined with paint and pen wash, mixed media, plus embellishment with crystals.
I have been showing my work on art gallery websites and now combine this with my couture business. Early last summer I was contacted to appear on the TV program “Landscape Artist of the Year” and was both flattered and delighted to take on this challenge.
The filming took place last summer and I was one of 8 contestants in Heat 4 at The Eden Project in Cornwall. We were given four hours to produce an artwork in our pod/studio en plein air, and had to work around social distancing. It was so much fun to be part of and the judges and film crew were amazing. Stephen Mangam hosted along with Joan Bakewell and judges Tai-Shan Schierenberg (artist), Kate Bryan (art historian) and Kathleen Soriano (art curator).
I hope you enjoyed the programme.
