Exhibitions

14 February - 31 May 2026

Euan Uglow (1932 – 2000) was one of Britain’s most significant 20th century painters, known for his sustained observation and painstaking technique, often taking months, if not years, to complete a work. Each picture pursues a particular idea, seeking to depict the visual reality of the concept, expressed with radiant colours and light.

Uglow often had three or four active ‘set-ups’ in his Battersea studio, using particular rectangular compositions in an attempt ‘to paint a structured painting full of controlled and therefore potent emotion’. Almost mathematical in his methods, Uglow left markings on his canvases that reveal his processes, including how the passage of time affected the depiction of his subjects. Best known for his large-scale nudes, Uglow also made landscapes in the summer light of the Mediterranean and still lifes, taking up the challenge of painting materials such as plastic, as well as organic material in gradual decay, such as fruit.

Curated by Catherine Lampert, this will be the first solo exhibition of Uglow’s work in a UK public institution for 20 years. Featuring over 40 of his most ambitious paintings, as well as drawings and examples of work by his artistic influences, Paul Cézanne, Alberto Giacometti and his former tutors William Coldstream, Victor Pasmore and Claude Rogers.

Guided Exhibition Tours

Join our insightful tour guides for a deep-dive into the exhibition.

Conversational Tours: Tuesdays and Sunday, 11am (max 10 per tour)
General Tours: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 2pm

Accessibility

MK Gallery is accessible to all. The building is wheelchair friendly and we welcome assistance dogs. Accessible toilets can be found on every floor, with a Changing Places toilet on the ground floor. Click here for a visual guide and full details of facilities.

Please note that large bags, food and drink are not allowed in the exhibition. We have a range of lockers available on the first floor of the building for storing personal belongings.