Stanley SIMMONDS
Stanley Simmonds was born in Droitwich, Worcestershire. After attending Birmingham College of Art, he served in the Royal Navy during World War II, where he made a life-long friend of the Cornish poet Charles Causley. After the war he resumed his studies at the Royal College of Art. Upon graduating, he and his wife Cynthia moved to a flat in Earls Court. He began work as art teacher at Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, a position he held for the next 30 years. During this time his artistic career flourished and he became well known for his paintings of Billingsgate Market. This important series documents his journey from figuration to abstraction.
Eventually he and Cynthia moved to Launceston in Cornwall, where they became neighbours of Charles Causley. There he continued to paint until his death.
In Oxford Simmonds' work was shown alongside that of Ivon Hitchens, John Piper and John Bratby. He exhibited also at the Royal Academy and the London Group, attracting considerable critical acclaim.
exhibitions
2017: From Eden Rock to Brexit (Paintings from a 'Causley Century'), Terre Verte Gallery, Altarnun (2 June-14 July)