From London to Venice, Paris to New York... Terence Gilbert presents us with a fascinating collection of cityscapes. A diverse group of paintings which celebrate the beauty and spirit of many of our favourite cities. Rich in detail and highly atmospheric, Gilbert's paintings have an immediate impact and appeal.

A Londoner born and bred, Gilbert has retained a strong allegiance to his roots and a passion for the city in which he grew up. Views of London, its buildings and monuments have always proved inspirational subject matter for Gilbert and the old Battersea Power Station and St Paul's Cathedral are both subjects he favours. He depicts such buildings with a great sense of monumentality, drawing emphasis to their architectural and structural beauty and often illuminating them dramatically against the skyline.

While London provides a natural starting point for this exhibition, Gilbert explores a wealth of other cities; he introduces us to the buzz of the New York streets and plazas, to spectacular views over Paris, and to the intimacy of the Venetian palazzos. A skilled draughtsman, Terence sketches, or paints in watercolour in situ, before translating his images into oils. His primary interest lies in studying the way light falls upon the scene before him. He uses light as a means of bringing his cityscapes to life and he favours dawn and sunset when light contrasts are at their extreme. His paintings of Venice as the sun sets and rises, have an incredible sense of atmosphere and impart a transfixing beauty and tranquillity.

Gilbert began his 'official' artistic training at Camberwell Art School, although his father's job as National Gallery warden, allowed him to gain further valuable experience studying the techniques of the Old Masters. He began working in the competitive world of advertising as a free-lance illustrator, before deciding to devote himself entirely to fine art.

Terence's range of work is remarkably varied and cityscapes comprise only one part of his oeuvre. He is extremely well-known and highly regarded for his equestrian portraits and his paintings on racing and sporting themes. Moreover, he has achieved intern-ational renown for his portraiture. His most significant commissions include a painting of HM The Queen and President Reagan riding at Windsor, which was presented to the President at the White House and a portrait of HM King Hussein of Jordan painted at Sandhurst. He has been commissioned by stars of film and the stage, as well as painting many sporting heroes including our own Chairman, Sir Peter O'Sullevan CBE.

Terence has exhibited successfully world-wide and is in constant demand for new work. It is therefore, with great delight, that we host this exhibition of contemporary cityscapes, a genre in which Terence clearly excels.