Justin Knowles

Justin Knowles, artist and teacher, was born in Exeter in 1935 and was one of the most innovative artists of his generation. Hn the 1960s and 70s he established himself as a major artist but in 1973, just as his future as a major modern British abstract artist seemed assured, his uninsured studio caught fire in mysterious circumstances. It cost him most of his finished work, his work in progress and all his materials. What Knowles called "the silent time" began. After his 1973 show at Waddington Galleries, it would be 24 years before he exhibited again. The Devon home had eventually to be sold and Knowles returned to Islington. He began teaching in Exeter, commuting twice a week, and turned his attention to publishing and other businesses. In 1996 he began exhibiting again and in 2002 he was commissioned to make this cross and figure for Exeter Cathedral.