Julian Spalding, Internationally acclaimed critic & broadcaster presents Francis Davison Incredible Art

I recently filmed Julian Spalding, an English art critic, writer, broadcaster and a former curator presenting the art work of Francis Davison. Julian Spalding is considered to be a controversial maverick and outspoken critic of the art world, he has frequently contributed to arts, news and current affairs programmes on radio and TV.

The shy and introverted Francis Davison never sought the limelight or the interest or approval of his peers. It can truly be said that he lived to create the work - sustained by the love of his wife the artist Margaret Mellis and the frugal life they scratched for their Suffolk smallholding. Though much admired by artist friends in private, it was not until Spalding championed Davison’s work, whenever and wherever he could, that the art establishment began to take notice. In 1983 Davison received a major show at London’s Hayward Gallery which captivated and influenced many - including a young Damien Hirst.

There have been very few major posthumous exhibitions of Davison’s work. This Goldmark show is an all too rare opportunity to see the creations of an artist whose name, many now believe, should be at the forefront of 20th century European art history.