Paula Rego: The Sketchbooks: Rare chance to see the artist's research for her paintings

The exhibition, drawn from her own studio collection and organised in association with the artist and Marlborough Fine Art, features drawings from the 1980s and '90s including studies for some of her most famous works. The exhibition will include previously unseen studies and drawings and provide a new understanding of the work of one of Britain and Portugal’s most loved figurative artists. It coincides with an exhibition of Rego's recent paintings at the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings.

Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1935, Rego has a career that spans over half a century and since her studies at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, has travelled consistently between the two countries. Using folklore and fairy tales, both personally constructed and widely known, Rego’s work builds narratives of both trouble and fantasy, often leaving reality behind in favour of a religious fervour.

Paula Rego: The Sketchbooks is on display in the historic townhouse of Pallant House Gallery from 30 September 2017 – 28 January 2018.