Neil Bailey Standing Tall (closes Sat. 14th March)

St Margaret’s Gallery, 2 St Margaret’s Street, Norwich NR2 4TU

This is the final week of a phenomenal exhibition celebrating the work of a hugely gifted and industrious Norwich-born artist. The show comprises predominantly paintings, alongside 3D pieces and images of monumental sculptures—works far too large to be displayed in the gallery and originally intended to sit within the landscape. Nevertheless, the exhibition reveals the vast scope of materials and methods Neil worked with throughout his career.

The first thing that strikes you when encountering Neil’s work is his inventive play with colour. As students on the Foundation course at Great Yarmouth College, our main tutor and course leader, Derek Mace, taught us all to truly see and appreciate colour. This had a lifelong effect on Neil’s aesthetic. His love and deep understanding of colour were remarkable. He mixed all of his own colours and carried this same care into his sign-writing work. Neil was meticulous and precise in both his approach and application.

Much of his work is biographical, often reflecting his humorous take on life. Norfolk’s unique dry sense of humour is deeply imprinted on its locals, and Neil embodied this perfectly. He loved using patterns and symbols—particularly fish and birds—perhaps as metaphors for the absurd. He had a wicked sense of humour and a love of wordplay, which often became the starting point for many of his visual ideas.

Although he attended one of Norwich’s most prestigious schools, King Edward VI, on a scholarship, Neil always remained a man of the people. He spurned airs and graces, arrogance and presumption. As one friend so aptly put it, he was “a prick to pomposity.” He was also a generous individual who supported and helped his friends throughout his life.

Neil sadly passed away at the end of 2023, so this retrospective exhibition is a glorious celebration of his unique creative take on life.

Alongside being an active artist, Neil successfully ran his own sign-writing company, Griffin Signs—named after the student pub in Loughborough where we all used to gather in the early 1980s. Beer, football, golf and music were also central parts of Neil’s life, which is why the exhibition is supported by Redwell Brewing of Norwich, along with a nod to the Canaries, home and away.

The private view on Saturday evening, 7 March, was a huge success, with over 100 invited guests. Live music was provided by Stan & Justin McGuilty & Chums. Stan and Justin were good friends of Neil and his wife Linda, and Neil even designed record and CD covers for their band. Stan was formerly of The Farmers Boys, while other members of the group have played in bands such as 4D Jones, Pearl and Screen 3. Stan & Justin McGuilty are also members of the alt-country band The McGuilty Brothers.

They were phenomenal—raw, original, and with their own unique sound. Their performance helped make the evening truly memorable, surrounded by Neil’s extraordinary and authentic artwork.

The exhibition has been an amazing experience. A big thank you goes to Frances and Richard at St Margaret’s Gallery, Norwich, for their support. They do a fantastic job putting on interesting exhibitions, showcasing both local artists and artists from further afield. It’s a wonderful facility for Norwich and indeed for Norfolk. Long may it continue.

Finally, Linda, Lynne, Ian (Neil’s brother) and I have greatly enjoyed—despite the hard work—putting on this exhibition to honour a true talent and a son of Norwich, Neil Bailey.

Hipposcreenprinters, a company run by Lynne and Ian has produced stunning giclée prints of some of Neil’s original paintings. These are available for purchase alongside a selection of postcards. They also offer a print-to-order service, so if any pieces are out of stock or not currently available in the gallery, they can be produced on request.

Come and experience it before it closes on Saturday 14 March at 4pm.

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