Published: 25 February 2010
by JOSH LOEB

THIS is the scene in London’s Docklands before regeneration. Painted in 1962, this semi-abstract pastel-and-ink work is one of a series by John Wright currently on show at a selling exhibition at Islington’s Millinery Works. 

Other paintings in the series depict the industrial relics of the docks – gas holders and looming pylons amid landscapes suffused with light. 

The paintings hold particular interest for fans of local history as the area has changed dramatically since the 1960s.
Many of Wright’s works contain an element of collage. 

Lear in Manhattan explores themes of repression and personal angst, and the artist’s latest paintings – produced for the collaborative book The Lascaux Variations with the poet Robert Vas Dias – are striking visions of organic forms inspired by cave paintings.

The exhibition accompanies the launch of The Lascaux Variations: Fractals of Being, a limited-edition collaborative pocket portfolio of poetry by Robert Vas Dias, illustrated by Wright.

• London to Lascaux: The Paintings of John Wright is at The Millinery Works Gallery, 85/87 Southgate Road, N1,
from March 3-21. Tue-Sat 11am to 6pm; Sun 12 noon to 5pm.