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Peter Smith
Mission: Impossimal The history of the Impossimals is slowly unfolding, as artist Peter Smith reveals the lost paintings of these creatures’ ancestors
When a badly battered crate was discovered, having lain undis- turbed in the National Museum of Antiquities since 1911, such treasures were found within as to stun the art world. For inside were the lost Impossimal paintings by Sir Charles Burroughs, the intrepid Victorian explorer who disap- peared in 1911 while on an ex- pedition to the Gwangu region of the Congo. Accompanying this astonishing hoard were extensive notes and his diaries that revealed his extraordinary life, from his birth in 1820 to his last entry, dated July 4, 1911… But, wait. The lost paintings of the Impossimals? Perhaps you didn’t realise they have a long and illustrious history. This new chapter in the Impossimals story is one that artist Peter Smith has long been waiting to unveil. It’s not just a collection of paintings he has created, but a back story that traces their evolution – a narrative that combines history with Peter’s wildest imagination
is looking forward to touring Washington Green galleries across the UK to tell fans and collectors about his inspiration for this new twist. “It really stems frommy childhood when I was fasci- nated by what surrounded me,” he explains. “I wanted to know why fairy lights were called that and where the word ‘jumper’ came from. All these everyday things have a story and a history to them. “I wanted to create a story for the Impossimals and began to explore deeper into what their origins could have been. I wanted it to be fun, yet credible, and intriguing. I loved using my imagination to come up with the stories and have enjoyed putting them together.” This newest collected works comprises six framed pieces and there are just 95 in each edition. We discover Dalisaurus Surrealius , a beast that warps objects and timepieces. It is a witty nod to Salvador Dali and even features the
surrealist painter’s trademark mous- tache. Thanks to the extensive notes left by Sir Charles – also known as Bluster Burroughs – it is revealed that the Lesser Spot- ted Neapolitan Knickerbocker Glory can lay claim to inventing the •
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– and the ficti- tious National Museum of Antiquities, the venerable in- stitution where these paintings were found. It’s been a long time in the making, but now Peter
1 Lesser Spotted Neapolitan Knickerbocker Glory Canvas edition of 95 Image 30" x 18¾" Framed £595
2 Fat Floppy Fluff - The Giant Lagomorph Canvas edition of 95 Image 28" x 22½" Framed £650
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FINE ART COLLECTOR SPRING 2012
SPRING 2012 FINE ART COLLECTOR
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