Pamela Kay (b.1939) is one of Britain’s foremost painters of still lifes. Kay is best known for her simple presentations of humble flower or fruit subjects, in soft diffused light, full of quiet charm.
Kay was born on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. She studied for four years at Canterbury College of Art under Christopher Alexander, Alec Vickerman and Eric Hurren, while working part-time for two years as studio assistant to John Ward. During this time she was the model for Ward's illustrations for Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie, 1959. Ward proved such an influential mentor and teacher that in her early career Kay felt the need to forge her own path, moving into textile design. She won a Sanderson wallpaper competition and studied design at Royal College of Art for three years, after which she launched a successful design practice. Kay was offered the position of Head of Design and Production at John Lewis, but turned this down in order to concentrate on painting.
Kay went on to be appointed Member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1984, of the New English Art Club in 1985, and of the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours in 1986. From that time, she held regular solo shows with London dealers, including Medici Gallery, Chris Beetles Gallery, Catto Gallery and Bankside Gallery. She has also illustrated books, written publications and taught at the School of Architecture, Canterbury.
