The Long Way Round

The new monograph on artist Gary Bunt contains more than 140 illustrations of the painter's work, old and new. The text, by Alexandra Fielding, explores Bunt's unconventional career, his inspirations and technique. Bunt emerges as a wry but sympathetic observer of an idealized English life in village, town and countryside. The women gossiping over the garden wall, the men sneaking down to the pub with faithful dog in tow, the love-struck younger couples or the pensioners enjoying a long life together are all here. But Bunt is as adept at revealing the human face of declining industrial towns or the rugged life of fishermen as he is at depicting middle-aged men with an eye for a passing blonde or ladies with a reputation for fun and frolics. The book conveniently arranges the paintings in major themes: Nostalgia and Romance; Inner Life; Gary Bunt’s England. There are also many biographical photographs charting Bunt's evolution from lyricist and guitar player to one of the most popular artists currently exhibiting.