Geoffrey Key British, b. 1941

Step into the distinctive world of Geoffrey Key’s artwork, where bold forms and expressive compositions bring both urban and rural landscapes to life. Renowned for his unique approach to colour and structure, Key’s paintings blend energy with precision, offering a fresh perspective on familiar settings.

His masterful use of light and movement creates a sense of rhythm, drawing the viewer into each carefully crafted scene. Whether portraying dynamic cityscapes, tranquil countryside, or thought-provoking figurative work, Geoffrey Key’s art encourages a deeper appreciation of the world around us, transforming everyday moments into striking visual experiences.
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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
Exhibitions
FAQs

Who is Geoffrey Key?

Geoffrey Key is a British painter and sculptor, born in Manchester in 1941. He began his formal art education at Manchester's High School of Art and continued his studies at the Manchester Regional College of Art, where he earned the National Diploma of Design and the Diploma of Associateship of Manchester, the latter with distinction. This achievement led to a postgraduate scholarship in sculpture. Throughout his career, Key has gained international recognition, with his works featured in numerous public, corporate, and private collections worldwide.

What is Geoffrey Key's artistic style?

Geoffrey Key's art is recognised for its distinctive style, bold lines, his use of colour, form and texture. His work is often launched as a themed collective, be it horses, birds, landscapes or more recently his gothic series. Drawing inspiration from the School of European Modernism, his resolute interpretations of each genre appeal to collectors within each of his chosen subjects.

What themes are common in Geoffrey Key's artwork?

Key's diverse body of work encompasses a range of subjects, including dramatic landscapes, stylised human figures, and still life compositions. His landscapes often feature abstract elements that convey movement and energy, while his human figures are depicted in various poses and activities, exuding rhythm and fluidity. In his still life paintings, Key focuses on everyday objects, emphasising their shapes and colours.

Where can I view or purchase Geoffrey Key's artworks?

Geoffrey Keys artworks are exhibited in galleries both across the UK and Internationally. At Contemporary Six, in both our Manchester and Hale galleries we have a nice selection of works in a variety of mediums, with Geoff's sculptures & 3D papier mache bowls on view alongside his paintings. Geoff's works in these various forms also form part of several public collections, such as the Salford and Manchester Art Galleries, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.

Has Geoffrey Key received any awards or recognition?

Yes, throughout his career, Geoffrey Key has received several academic awards, including the Heywood Medal in Fine Art and the Guthrie Bond Travelling Scholarship. He was elected a member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts in 1968 and became a prize winner in 1971. His work has been widely exhibited and reviewed, solidifying his reputation as a painter and sculptor of stature and integrity.