Bruce Tippett, born in England in 1933, showed an early inclination towards art and honed his skills at the Slade School of Art in London. After graduating in July 1957, he took to working at night, creating an extensive collection of charcoal sketches. Tippett’s early artistic explorations included frequent visits to London’s construction sites, capturing scenes in his sketchbook before the day’s work began.
Throughout his career, Tippett experimented with various media, transitioning from figurative to abstract styles. In his final year at Slade, he found inspiration in Japanese flicks and brush paintings. This influence was evident in his work and contributed to his unique style.
Tippett’s talent was recognized early on with his first solo exhibition at Lords Gallery in 1958. The following year, he received a French Government Scholarship, leading him to live and work in Paris until 1962. During his time in Paris, he developed an interest in modern American painting and began experimenting with new materials, including roller and pour paint techniques.
His artistic journey took him to Rome and then to America in 1965. There, he joined the Betty Parsons Gallery in 1966, where he remained a long-term member. The late 1960s saw Tippett create innovative works using rubber matting, some of which encouraged audience interaction.
Tippett’s career is marked by a consistent display of skill and a distinct beauty and sophistication in his work. In the 1980s, he returned to London, where he lived and worked, while also spending considerable time in India and dividing his time between London and France. Since 2005, he has been living and working in his studio in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, France, continuing his artistic endeavors.