Geoffrey Key was born in 1941, Manchester, England. After his early education at Manchester’s High School of Art, in 1958 Key completed a degree and further post graduate studies at the Manchester Regional College of Art. During this period, Key was tutored by the sculptor Ted Roocroft and the painter Harry Rutherford. He gained a National Diploma of Design and the Diploma of Associateship of Manchester; the latter with a distinction which led to a postgraduate scholarship in sculpture. His academic awards include the Heywood medal in Fine Art and the Guthrie Bond Travelling Scholarship.
Key’s reputation is internationally recognised as a painter and sculptor of stature and integrity. He has held exhibitions throughout the UK and worldwide with shows in London, Manchester, Cheshire, Bradford and Preston, as well as in Dublin, France, Germany, Switzerland, USA, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Australia.
His work is exhibited widely and features in important public, corporate and private art collections throughout the world including Salford and Manchester Art Galleries; the Victoria and Albert Museum; Manchester Museum of Science and Industry; North West Arts Board; National Westminster Bank; Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong; Jockey Club of Hong Kong; Societé Roquefort; Chateau de St Ouen and Perrier.
Having known his vocation since childhood, Key embarks on a professional career as an artist, imbued with basic aims of being true to himself; avoiding artistic influence and fashion; and maintaining honesty and integrity. These enduring principles, coupled with the love of life so evident in his work have led to a strong, loyal and ever-growing following amongst so many who appreciate fine art. During his career he has built a prestigious record of successful solo exhibitions across the UK and internationally. Key's career as an artist now spans five decades and his work and exhibitions have been widely appraised and reviewed and his work continues to be widely sought and made available to collectors.
Key's diverse subject matter includes dramatic landscapes with abstract elements that convey movement and energy, as well as stylised human figures depicted in various poses and activities that exude rhythm and fluidity. Additionally, Key's still life paintings focus on everyday objects, emphasizing their shapes and colours, while some of his works venture into pure abstraction, creating visually striking compositions. Combining modernist influences with a distinctive personal style, Key's paintings are immediately recognizable and celebrated for their unique artistic vision.
Youtube - Salford Artist Geoffrey Keys
Youtube - Geoffrey Key in the studio
Youtube - Geoffrey Key Saltglaze Pot Trailer
