Gloucester Room is delighted to present a series of new works by Sam Wood, inspired by his recent travels in the French and Italian Riviera
Wood had his first glimpses of the Cote D’Azur through a commission to create two artworks for Mauro Collagreco at Raffles London, which opened at the OWO in 2023. The artworks feature a hilltop view of the distinctive sweeping bay of Menton, taking in tumbling terraces of lush green vegetation and the azure blue sea and sky beyond.
This led to the idea that Wood, a keen gardener, should spend some time exploring the botanical gardens of the Riviera on an extended painting trip earlier this Summer Basing himself in Menton, on the border between France and Italy, Wood spent two weeks immersing himself in the sights, smells and tastes that are unique to this region and have inspired artists and writers alike.
Highlights of Wood’s itinerary included the Hanbury Botanical Gardens above Ventimigila in Italy, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the botanical garden of Val Rahmeh in Menton and a very special invitation to visit the gardens at Le Mirazur, Mauro Collagreco’s world-famous three Michelin starred restaurant, located in the hills above Menton.
As we slip into Autumn now, we hope you enjoy revisiting the colour, warmth and sensations of Summer through Sam Wood’s glorious new exhibition.
Nathalie Martin, Gloucester Room
“Quite for no reason I’m here for the season And high as a kite Living in Error With Maud at Cap Ferrat”
- Noel Coward
I came across this poem years ago, and when Nathalie invited me to make her Menton home my own for a few weeks this summer, it came with me, in spirit and in my erratically packed suitcase.
Menton is right on the French / Italian border and for the best part of a century, it has been a place of retreat for errant Englishmen for whom London was too serious a prospect between the months of July and September. They built houses there to play out their Summertime frivolities, and some created gardens as living legacies..
I’m happy to describe the works in this show as meandering, as it accurately depicts my time between France and Italy, wandering ‘round gardens from the grand Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, to the serenity of the Hanbury gardens in Mortola.
This exhibition is a last amble through the memories of a hazy summer, before we pack it away till next year
Sam Wood
The Curtain
Soft pastel on Fabriano paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 140 x 100 cm
Framed Dimensions: 149 x 109 cm
£5,950 SOLD
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Nettles at Mirazur
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 100 X 70.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 109 x 79.5 cm
£3,500 SOLD
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The Balcony in Menton
Soft pastel on Fabriano paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 140 x 100 cm
Framed Dimensions: 149 x 109 cm
£5,950
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From a French Garden
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 100 x 70.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 109 x 79.5 cm
£3,500
RESERVED
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The Lemon Gardens In Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 56.5 x 76 cm
Framed Dimensions: 64..5 x 84 cm
£2,500
SOLD
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Palms at Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 100 x 70 cm
Framed Dimensions: 109 x 79 cm
£3,500
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A Menton Window
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Framed Dimensions: 77 x 57 cm
£2,500 SOLD
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A Curtained Window
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Framed Dimensions: 77 x 57 cm
£2,500
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Shutters in Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 25.2 x 17.8 cm
Framed Dimensions: 32 x 24 cm
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Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 25.2 x 17.8 cm
Framed Dimensions: 32 x 24 cm £975 SOLD
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Awning at Menton I
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Framed Dimensions: 77 x 57 cm
£2,500
Enquire about this item
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 25.2 x 17.8 cm
Framed Dimensions: 32 x 24 cm
£975
Enquire about this item
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 100 x 70.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 109 x 79.5 cm
£3,500
Enquire about this item
The Beach at Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Framed Dimensions: 76.5 x 56.5 cm
£2,500
SOLD
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A Wave in Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 100 x 70.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 109 x 79.5 cm
£3,500
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‘Nathalie’
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm £695 SOLD
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Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm
£695
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The Old Station in Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 56 x 76 cm
Framed Dimensions: 64 x 84 cm
£2,500
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Study for the Old Station at Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 25 x 35.5 cm
Framed Dimensions:: 31.5 x 42cm
£1,250
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The Market in Menton
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions 50 x 35.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 58 x 44.5 cm
£1,650 SOLD
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Watercolour pencil on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 25..2 x 17.8 cm
Framed Dimensions: 32 x 23 cm
£975
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Flowers at Mirazur I
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 23.7 x 15.6 cm
Framed Dimensions: 30.5 x 22 cm
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Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 23.7 x 15.6 cm
Framed Dimensions: 30.5 x 22 cm
Enquire about this item
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 23.7 x 15.6 cm
Framed Dimensions: 30.5 x 22 cm
Enquire about this item
Flowers at Mirazur II
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 23.7 x 15.6 cm
Framed Dimensions: 30.5 x 22 cm
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Soft pastel on seed packet
Presented mounted in a dark indigo blue linen-wrapped recessed window mount, set back by matching linen-wrapped glazing fillets within a very dark brown Ash frame and glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass.
Seed packet Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 cm
Framed Dimensions: 31 x 26 cm
£725
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Packet from the gardens at Le Mirazur
Soft pastel on seed packet
Presented mounted in a dark indigo blue linen-wrapped recessed window mount, set back by matching linen-wrapped glazing fillets within a very dark brown Ash frame and glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass.
Seed packet Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 cm
Framed Dimensions: 31 x 26 cm
£725
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Soft pastel on seed packet
Presented mounted in a dark indigo blue linen-wrapped recessed window mount, set back by matching linen-wrapped glazing fillets within a very dark brown Ash frame and glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass.
Seed packet Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 cm
Framed Dimensions: 31 x 26 cm
£725
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Ticket to Chapelle Saint-Pierre, Villefranche
Soft pastel on ticket
Presented mounted in a pale pink linen-wrapped recessed window mount, set back by matching linen-wrapped glazing fillets within a very dark brown Ash frame and glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass.
Sheet Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 cm
Framed Dimensions: 27.5 x 29.5 cm
The Sea From the Hanbury Gardens I
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 105 x 75 cm
Framed Dimensions: 114 x 84 cm
£3,500 SOLD
Enquire about this item
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 105 x 75 cm
Framed Dimensions: 114 x 84 cm
£3,500
Enquire about this item
The Sea from Hanbury Gardens II
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 76 x 56 cm
Framed Dimensions: 84 x 64 cm
£2,500 SOLD
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Plant Study from the Hanbury Gardens
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 67.5 x 46.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 76 x 55 cm
£2,300
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Palms at the Beach, Mortola, Italy
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 76 x 56 cm
Framed Dimensions: 84 x 64 cm
£2,500
SOLD
Enquire about this item
The Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 100 x 70 cm
Framed Dimensions: 109 x 79 cm
£3,500
SOLD
Enquire about this item
Fountains
at the Villa
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 100 x 70 cm
Framed Dimensions: 109 x 79 cm
£3500 SOLD
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Entrance to the Villa Ephrussi
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 50 x 35.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 57 x 42.5 cm
£1,650 SOLD
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The Sculpture Walk
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 105 x 75 cm
Framed Dimensions: 114 x 84 cm
£3,500 SOLD
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Fountains at the Villa Ephrussi II
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Framed Dimensions: 77 x 57 cm
£2,500 SOLD
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Red Urn
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 25.2 x 17.8 cm
Framed Dimensions: 32 x 24 cm
£975 SOLD
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The Spanish Garden at Villa Ephrussi
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Framed Dimensions: 77 x 57 cm
£2,500
SOLD
Enquire about this item
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions 50 x 35.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 58 x 44.5 cm
£1,650 SOLD
Enquire about this item
Three Pots at the Villa
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions 50 x 35.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 58 x 44.5 cm
£1,650
SOLD
Enquire about this item
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Framed Dimensions: 77 x 57 cm
£2,500
Enquire about this item
Study from a Tapestry – Villa Ephrussi
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions 50 x 35.5 cm
Framed Dimensions: 58 x 44.5 cm
£1,650 SOLD
Enquire about this item
Study – Alamanda Cathartica
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 25..2 x 17.8 cm
Framed Dimensions: 32 x 23 cm
£975
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Six Studies:
Top: Apollo at the Villa | Study for the Villa Ephrussii | The Dome
Bottom: Clive | Corner from the Spanish Garden II | Flowers from the Villa
Framed dimensions each: 26 x 20 cm | Price each: £695
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Apollo at the Villa
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm
Enquire about this item
Study for the Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm £695 SOLD
Enquire about this item
The Dome
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm
£695
Enquire about this item
‘Clive’
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm
£695
Enquire about this item
Corner from the Spanish Garden II
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm £695 SOLD
Enquire about this item
Flowers from the Villa
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm
£695
Enquire about this item
Corner from the Spanish Garden I
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm
£695
Enquire about this item
Column in the Spanish Garden
Oil & soft pastel on paper
Presented within a natural walnut box frame
Glazed with UV filtering anti-reflective glass
Sheet Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm
Framed Dimensions: 26 x 20 cm
£695
Enquire about this item
Sam Wood is a London-based artist born in Gloucestershire.
Since graduating from St Martins in 2012, Wood has established himself amongst a new generation of young British artists who are moving away from the recent dominance of abstract painting in contemporary art, toward a new form of allegorical figuration
Central to his work is the importance of drawing, in both dry and wet media, where broad brushstrokes of diluted oil paint underpin lyrical linework in soft pastel The immediacy of Wood’s mark making demonstrates a highly responsive eye that captures any given subject with an economy of means. Rendered in joyful, saturated colours the resultant works radiate effects of light that ripple across the paper, creating a sense of restless energy as lively as the natural subjects they depict.
Aside from his practice as an artist, Sam Wood is regularly invited to undertake collaborative projects with luxury brands and creative agencies. His collaborative partners to date have included Billecart Salmon, Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, Claridge’s, David Collins Studio, Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, Raffles London and Rixo
Exhibition opens to the public on Friday 11th October.
Please note, artworks are available for purchase prior to the opening of the exhibition.
To arrange a private viewing of a particular artwork or artworks, or to enquire about reserving or acquiring one of the artworks, prior to the opening of the exhibition, please contact us on 020 7935 1114 or email us at info@gloucesterroom.com
This catalogue will be updated regularly but please contact the gallery to check on availability if a particular artwork is of interest to you.
Dimensions are quoted in cm | Prices are quoted inclusive of VAT (UK Sales Tax)
