Maggi Hambling

Key facts

Born

1945, British

Movement

• portrait

Works held in

31 museums^[1]

Plan your visit to see Maggi Hambling →

• Does maggi hambling still smoke?+

  In 1980, Maggi Hambling lined her studio walls with tin foil so she could smoke without setting off the alarms. She described herself as a professional smoker and stated that her three life essentials were a cigarette, a drink, and paintbrushes.
• How does maggi hambling paint?+

  Maggi Hambling uses a number 6 bright to apply paint, pulling it across the canvas but not all the way. For the sky, she mixes Burnt Sienna and Titanium White for the left side, and Titanium White with Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, and Viridian for the right.
• Is maggi hambling still alive?+

  Yes, Maggi Hambling is still alive (born 1945).
• Maggi hambling techniques?+

  The passages mention choosing the right paints and brushes as a technique. With practice, one can become comfortable mixing colours and handling brushes.
• What is maggi hambling known for?+

  Maggi Hambling is known for her paintings, as well as The Scallop (2003), a four-metre stainless steel sculpture on the beach at Aldeburgh honouring Benjamin Britten. She is also known for her Oscar Wilde memorial at Charing Cross (1998), the first public monument to Wilde outside Ireland.
• What is Maggi Hambling's most famous work?+

  Maggi Hambling is best known for her series of paintings of the sea, and for her public sculptures. Hambling's series of wave paintings, titled "Walls of Water", began in the early 1980s and continued throughout her career. These works often depict the power and energy of the sea, using bold brushstrokes and a limited colour palette. She has said that the sea is a constant source of inspiration for her. Hambling is also recognised for her public sculptures, most notably "The Scallop" (2003) on Aldeburgh beach, Suffolk, a tribute to the composer Benjamin Britten, who lived in the town. The stainless-steel sculpture, which is four metres high, features an opening that frames the sea. It is inscribed with the words "I hear those voices that will not be drowned", from Britten's opera "Peter Grimes". Although initially controversial, the sculpture has become a popular landmark. Another public sculpture is a memorial to Oscar Wilde, located off Trafalgar Square in London.
• What should I know about Maggi Hambling's prints?+

  When buying a fine-art print, bear in mind that the printmaker usually decides the edition size. The edition claim is a pair of numbers on the left bottom margin of the print; it consists of a print number and an edition number. The title of the print is written in the middle of the bottom margin; the signature is on the right. Edition descriptions are always signed in pencil. These conventions add value if believed; it is reasonable to expect a print to conform to the claims written on it. Claims and product descriptions are subject to the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 Section 2; this is a requirement to tell the truth when describing something. Japanese paper is susceptible to changes in humidity; finished prints should be kept interleaved with acid-free tissue in a drawer or box. Because of the fugitive nature of many pigments, the prints should not be hung in bright light for long periods. Some colours fade faster than others, giving the print a different appearance than intended. Prints should not be hung over radiators or other heat sources.
• What style or movement did Maggi Hambling belong to?+

  Maggi Hambling is difficult to categorise within a single art movement. Her work encompasses elements of expressionism and realism, often with a focus on capturing the emotional intensity of her subjects. Hambling's early work included portraits and studies of nature, demonstrating a keen observation of form and detail. She developed a distinctive style characterised by bold brushstrokes, strong colours, and a sense of immediacy. Her portraits, in particular, aim to convey the inner character of the sitter, rather than merely providing a likeness. While Hambling's style shares some affinities with expressionism, she has never aligned herself with any particular group. Her art remains intensely personal, driven by her own unique vision and sensibility. She is known for her expressive handling of paint and her ability to capture the essence of a subject, whether it is a human figure, a wave, or a dying animal.
• What techniques or materials did Maggi Hambling use?+

  Maggi Hambling is known for her expressive approach to a range of media. She often works in oil paint, creating textured surfaces with visible brushstrokes. Her handling of paint can be gestural and immediate, capturing a sense of movement and energy. Hambling's work also includes sculpture, often on a large scale. One example is "Scallop" (2003), a steel sculpture on Aldeburgh beach, Suffolk, dedicated to Benjamin Britten. She is also an accomplished printmaker, producing etchings and lithographs. Hambling's prints often share similar themes with her paintings, such as portraits and seascapes. Watercolour is another medium she employs, sometimes in combination with other materials. Her watercolours are characterised by their fluid quality and translucent colours. Across these different media, Hambling’s art is recognisable for its distinctive style and personal vision.
• What was Maggi Hambling known for?+

  Maggi Hambling is known for her expressive and often controversial work across several media. She is a painter, sculptor, and printmaker whose subjects include portraits, seascapes, and more recently, monumental public sculptures. Hambling studied at Ipswich School of Art (1962-1964) and then at Camberwell School of Art (1964-1967), followed by the Slade School of Art (1967-1969). Early in her career, she gained attention for her portraits, particularly those of figures such as Max Wall and George Melly, capturing their personalities with bold brushstrokes and a distinctive style. Later, Hambling became known for her series of paintings of the sea, often depicting the North Sea near her home in Suffolk. These works convey the power and drama of the ocean. Her public sculptures, such as "The Scallop" on Aldeburgh beach, have generated both acclaim and debate, becoming landmarks while also provoking discussion about the nature of public art.
• When did Maggi Hambling live and work?+

  Maggi Hambling is a contemporary British artist, born in 1945 in Sudbury, Suffolk. She continues to live and work in the United Kingdom. Hambling studied at the Ipswich School of Art (1962-1964), followed by Camberwell School of Art (1964-1967), and then the Slade School of Art from 1967 to 1969. Early recognition came with her first solo exhibition at the Drian Galleries in 1969. Her career includes a variety of media and subjects, including portraits, seascapes, and sculpture. Hambling is known for her expressive style and often tackles themes of mortality and the power of nature. She has held residencies at places such as the National Gallery, London, making her mark on the British art scene. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections.
• Where can I see Maggi Hambling's work?+

  Maggi Hambling's art can be viewed in several public collections. In London, her work is held by the National Portrait Gallery, the Tate Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Other galleries outside London that hold her work include the Ulster Museum in Belfast; the City Art Gallery in Manchester; the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool; the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge; the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle-upon-Tyne; the Leeds City Art Gallery; the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham; and the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Scottish galleries that hold her work include the Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, and the Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery.