Charles Hardaker: 1934-2025

Charles Hardaker NEAC RBA sadly passed away in September 2025. Read a tribute written by his fellow NEAC members including Toby Ward and Daniel Shadbolt, and Jason Line.

 

Charles was elected to the NEAC in 1969, and was also a Member of the Royal Society of British Artists, the Small Paintings Group, and an Associate of the Royal College of Art. In his work, he aimed ‘to show something of the wonder and mystery of the so-called ordinary world – “The ordinary is extraordinary."'

Artist statement

Charles's aim, essentially, was to use the medium of paint to express something of the mystery behind the 'everyday' existence. He believed that the forms seen through the physical eyes are the raw material for making images to indicate a higher truth than the world of the senses.

Method of Working

He worked primarily in oils directly on to canvas or board. His starting point could be anything seen in a moment or distilled over a long period of time. Initial drawings were essential. His subjects were mostly still life, interiors (in which the 'door' was a central theme) and the human head. He produced two series of paintings for specific sites, to specific themes and worked in a team on murals for a church and country house requiring the use of gesso and tempera.

Biographical Details

1953-55 National Service, Royal Artillery, Germany
1955-58 Royal College of Art, London (ARCA)
1949-53 Studied: Birmingham College of Arts & Crafts (NDD)  

OTHER SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS

Royal Society of British Artists

Small Paintings Group

collections

Tate Gallery, Guildhall of London, The then GLC, Institute of Civil Engineers, National, Library of Wales, BP, Northumbria Water

Past Exhibitions

RA Summer Exhibitions, London Group, Guildhall of London, Annual Exhibitions of the RBA, NEAC, Hunting Prizes, Threadneedle Prizes, Lynn Painter-Stainers, 5 solo shows (3 in UK, 2 in US)

Publications