About
Highartgonebad
HAGB was founded in 2023 by Mercedes Phillips. It exhibits work by established contemporary and modern artists and showcases emerging talent.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR, BY THE DIRECTOR
I graduated with First Class (Hons)Painting, from De Montfort University and a post-graduate from Goldsmiths, London. Then went on to design & instruct for the CPS; designed and painted fairground furniture and a stage set for a Glasgow theatre production.I was an intern at the ICA; taught extensively across London for a couple of decades and studied teaching in Rome.Painting was interrupted for a number of years whilst I worked at the high end of the talioring industry; first studying print design; pattern cutting and handcraft tailoring (mens) at Morley College & the LCF; then served an apprenticeship under a renowned Soho tailor & made bespoke jackets for Savile Row and other Mayfair establishments.
PAINTING PRACTICE
"I worked from a painting studio for fifteen years in South London, at Cable St; Vanguard Court & Studio Voltaire. Exhibiting at this time was largely in solo and group shows across the Capital. A collaborative show with Guy Tarrant, "GOD SAVE THE PUPILS" stemmed from our joint experience of teaching in the inner-city's most toughest & deprived areas, bringing to light subversive undercurrents & counter culture. It showed at the Stephen Lawrence Gallery and toured nationwide."
ABOUT THE PATRON HENRY ARTHUR GUNNING BROOKE MC
In 2013,I began working for Colonel Henry Brooke (HAGB)and struck up a close friendship which endured until his death. Housing an impressive collection of paintings himself, he supported my art practice and the gallery is founded in his honour.
Colonel Henry Arthur Gunning Brooke was awarded an Immediate MC at the final Battle of Monte Cassino for, in the words of General Alexander, his "skill, resourcefulness and inspirational leadership". In mid-May '44, Brooke was in command of a troop of 16/5th Lancers in the Liri Valley where he rallied his badly shaken crew. For 3 days he led a successful offensive in fierce fighting after his commanding officer and squadron leader were killed. Col Brooke contracted malaria in North Africa in '43; was blown up 3 times in his Sherman tank but survived to assume command in '66 of 16/5 Queens Royal Lancers and served as an outstanding Colonel of the 16/5th Regiment from 1979 to 1985.
Chelsea-ite, erudite
Honourable and Champagne-tight
Inspiring and bolshy
Always right.
DEATH OR GLORY
Director
Mercedes Phillips : Curator
HAGB was founded in 2023 by Mercedes Phillips. It exhibits work by established contemporary and modern artists and showcases emerging talent.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR, BY THE DIRECTOR
I graduated with First Class (Hons)Painting, from De Montfort University and a post-graduate from Goldsmiths, London. Then went on to design & instruct for the CPS; designed and painted fairground furniture and a stage set for a Glasgow theatre production.I was an intern at the ICA; taught extensively across London for a couple of decades and studied teaching in Rome.Painting was interrupted for a number of years whilst I worked at the high end of the talioring industry; first studying print design; pattern cutting and handcraft tailoring (mens) at Morley College & the LCF; then served an apprenticeship under a renowned Soho tailor & made bespoke jackets for Savile Row and other Mayfair establishments.
PAINTING PRACTICE
"I worked from a painting studio for fifteen years in South London, at Cable St; Vanguard Court & Studio Voltaire. Exhibiting at this time was largely in solo and group shows across the Capital. A collaborative show with Guy Tarrant, "GOD SAVE THE PUPILS" stemmed from our joint experience of teaching in the inner-city's most toughest & deprived areas, bringing to light subversive undercurrents & counter culture. It showed at the Stephen Lawrence Gallery and toured nationwide."
ABOUT THE PATRON HENRY ARTHUR GUNNING BROOKE MC
In 2013,I began working for Colonel Henry Brooke (HAGB)and struck up a close friendship which endured until his death. Housing an impressive collection of paintings himself, he supported my art practice and the gallery is founded in his honour.
Colonel Henry Arthur Gunning Brooke was awarded an Immediate MC at the final Battle of Monte Cassino for, in the words of General Alexander, his "skill, resourcefulness and inspirational leadership". In mid-May '44, Brooke was in command of a troop of 16/5th Lancers in the Liri Valley where he rallied his badly shaken crew. For 3 days he led a successful offensive in fierce fighting after his commanding officer and squadron leader were killed. Col Brooke contracted malaria in North Africa in '43; was blown up 3 times in his Sherman tank but survived to assume command in '66 of 16/5 Queens Royal Lancers and served as an outstanding Colonel of the 16/5th Regiment from 1979 to 1985.
Chelsea-ite, erudite
Honourable and Champagne-tight
Inspiring and bolshy
Always right.
DEATH OR GLORY
Director
Mercedes Phillips : Curator