KEN HOWARD (BRITISH, 1932-2022)

Footnote
Rain Effect, London is undoubtedly a Howard masterpiece; the grandeur of the Royal Exchange, site of the new King’s recent proclamation, is perfectly portrayed. Facing west, a lone figure, possibly a self-portrait, hastily passes the London Troops War Memorial and the Wellington statue beyond; these poignant and permanent symbols of past conflicts are juxtaposed with the dense traffic and daily intensity of life in the Square Mile. The treatment of the rain is brilliantly rendered, giving the City landmark an ethereal feel.  A similar but smaller work, From the Royal Exchange, Rain Effect was sold at Christies, 20 March 2014, lot 59.  Howard once claimed “For me painting is about three things. It is about revelation, communication and celebration…” elements which all come to the fore in this exceptional work which comes to the open market for the first time. 

Condition Report
Original canvas.  Other than a tiny fleck of uneven varnish to the pavement , lower left, the paint surface is in excellent, clean condition.  No sign of retouching under ultraviolet.  Held in the original frame.  Ready to hang.