About John Birch
John Birch studied Fine Art at the West of England College of Art (now part of the University of the West of England). After graduating he remained in Bristol continuing to paint and had one man exhibitions at the Axis Gallery, Clifton and at the Bristol Arts Centre. He also took part in group exhibitions at the Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol and the Ikon Gallery, Birmingham.
He then spent the rest of his career as a graphic designer and only started painting seriously again after moving to Portscatho in 2013.
“After years of working with figurative subject matter my work evolved to became fully abstract - abandoning all reference to the subject matter and embracing and expanding the technique that I have used over the past few years - that of applying paint by dripping and throwing which introduces a random and dynamic element to my work. Being freed from the image has also allowed me the freedom to use an unlimited range of colours - a freedom which I am using to the full.
Although there is now no reference to subject matter - I believe that the works are nevertheless strongly influenced by and embedded in the spirit of the Cornish environment, history, myths and legends.
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
1968 - Axis Gallery, Clifton, Bristol.
1972 - Bristol Arts Centre.
Group shows
1975 Big Paintings Show, (4 artists), Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol
1976 Participating artist in ‘British Realists’ exhibition, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham.
1976 Participating artist in the Arnolfini Gallery picture loan scheme.
In Cornwall
2016 Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Winter Associates show
2017 Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Associates and members mixed show
2017 ‘Imagine Falmouth’ at Falmouth Art Gallery. Painting awarded ‘Highly Commended’
2018 Paintings exhibited in the Penwith Gallery shop area.
2018 ‘Patrick Haughton and friends: 50 years on.’ At the Penwith Gallery, St Ives.
2019 Art World Gallery, Falmouth
2019 New Gallery, Portscatho - ongoing exhibiting continuously
2019 St Ives Society of Artists Christmas Show
2019 Imagine Falmouth at Falmouth Art Gallery
2020 Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Summer Associates show
2021 NAPA Summer Show, John Rank Gallery, Oxmarket Centre, Chichester
2021 Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Associates winter show
2022 St Ives Society of Artists Spring Open Exhibition
2022 Penwith Gallery, St Ives, Summer Associates show
2022 Imagine Falmouth at Falmouth Art Gallery
2022 St Ives Society of Artists Christmas open
2023 NAPA Summer Show, Wells Museum and Art Gallery, Wells, Somerset
(Pro Arte Award 2023)
2023 St Ives Society of Artists Spring Open Exhibition
John Birch is a gallery artist at the New Gallery, Portscatho.
A member of NAPA (National Acrylic Painter’s Association)
An associate member of the Penwith Gallery in St Ives.
Listed on the Axis Directory of artists.
Works are in the Arnolfini Gallery collection and private collections.