Peter Coker RA, 
British 1926-2004 - 
Late Evening, Harwich, 1975; 
oil on canvas, signed lower right...

Peter Coker RA, 
British 1926-2004 - 

Late Evening, Harwich, 1975; 

oil on canvas, signed lower right 'Peter Coker' and inscribed with title on the reverse, 76.5 x 94 cm: together with an unframed etching with auqatint on paper by the same artist entitled 'Seascape' (2) (ARR) 

Provenance: 
James Butler MBE RA (1931–2022), gifted by the artist and thence by descent 

Exhibited: 
Royal Academy, London, 'Summer Exhibition', 1975, no.63 

Literature: 
(i) Chris Beetles Ltd., London, 'Peter Coker RA', 2002, cat. no.304 illus. p.70 (titled 'Evening: Train Ferry, Harwich') 
(ii) Chris Beetles Ltd., London, 'Peter Coker RA (with a catalogue raisonne of major oils, watercolours and etchings)', 2002, cat. no. 27, illus. p.11; 
(ii) David Wooton, Peter Coker RA, London: Chris Beetles Ltd., 2002, illus.p.88

Note: 
the work was originally owned by the renowned British sculptor James Butler, Coker's friend and fellow RA. This is a sensational example of Peter Cokers mature style, demonstrating his intense and singular take on the British landscape tradition. Utilising heavy paint and a unique use of colour, the artist conveys the feeling of the East Anglian landscape with a piercing power. 

Coker was originally associated with the Kitchen Sink School in the 1950s, alongside his contemporaries John Bratby, Derrick Greaves, Jack Smith and Edward Middleditch. From the 1960s he moved passed this style, becoming further celebrated for his landscapes. His work is in all major UK collections, including the Tate, the Royal Academy, London and the National Galleries of Scotland.