Artist Spotlight: Cheryl Culver PPPS RBA

Please could you introduce yourself?

My name is Cheryl Culver. I was born in Gloucestershire near the River Severn. I lived in limestone cottage with no electricity or bathroom until I was eight. It was wonderful.

After completing a year teaching I volunteered for the International Voluntary Service and I was sent to Mauritius as the Graphic Artist for the Family Planning Association. This was an incredible experience. I painted 4’ x 8’ billboards and I was there during the visit of the Queen and Prince Philip. I was invited to the garden party and spoke with Prince Philip. His face said it all when I told him what I was doing.

Art went on hold for a while, coming back to it when my sister a silversmith and I opened a gallery in Sandwich. Finally when my husband and I opened a framing business and small gallery in Dover I had an unexpected meeting which changed things dramatically. Romeo Di Girolamo the President of the RBA came into our shop and asked whose work was on the wall. My husband explained that it was mine and he suggested I submit some to the RBA at the Mall Galleries.

With much encouragement from my husband I did so. I was made a Member of the RBA in 2003 and the Pastel Society in 2004. I was Hon Sec for the Pastel Society from about 2008 – 2012 and President from 2012 – 2016.

I was commissioned by Dover District Council in 1990 in commemoration of the evacuation of Dunkirk to make a Limited Edition of 150 pairs of brass etched coasters. I presented at the opening of the Dunkirk Exhibition in Dover to Winston Churchill MP grandson of the late Sir Winston Churchill, and Major General Ramsay son of the late Admiral Ramsay who masterminded the Dunkirk Evacuation in 1940. Edition No. 1 was accepted by H.R.H Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.

Can you tell us a little about your process from initial research to a finished work? Where does inspiration spark for you?

I have always loved wild places preferably uninhabited. I’m sure it all goes back to those early days and Haw Lane Cottage. My first school had ten pupils!

We were surrounded by nature, foxes, red squirrels and no noise. My work is all about ‘A Sense of Place’. A walk on the hills is worth twenty visits to a gallery for me. It is all about the being there, the feel of a place. The natural logic of perspective and scale is important but total realistic representation is not.

My drawings are done using a marker pen, sometimes in pencil, but mostly in marker pen. The pen gives a stronger image and each mark must stand. No second chances.

You have been exhibiting with the Royal Society of British Artists and the Pastel Society for many years. What have those artistic communities meant to your career and practice?

Being a Member of the two societies has been very important to me. I enjoy getting involved and being a nuisance at Council Meetings, but I also enjoy playing an active role. In the past two years this has largely meant ‘working from home’! My husband was a huge support and having him to look after Baxter or drive me wherever meant I was more able to get involved in actual events. But I suppose I have helped a bit by looking after the website for the PS since it was created and for a few years helping with the RBA one as well.

I have been proud to be a member of the two societies and I think it has given me the confidence as an artist to believe in myself a little bit and hopefully for others to believe in me and my work.

Being an artist is quite a lonely career and therefore being part of a community, even one which is spread far and wide, is very special.

How does your studio environment, living and working in Sandwich with your studio at home, influence your work?

Having a studio in the garden is ideal for me. I can work when it suits me, and it is quiet. (Except when the Junior School children come out to play!!)

I am also lucky to live near the sea with the magnificent White Cliffs just down the road. I also have enigmatic marshland with reflective waterways and a sun that rises conveniently in the east. Perfect inspiration on early morning dog walks.

What has been a highlight of your artistic career?

Being made a Member of the two Societies and winning the Whistler Medal. I won’t count winning a painting competition in the Bristol Evening Post when I was about nine and meeting Coco the Clown at Billy Smart’s Circus.

What is your favourite thing about the RBA Annual Exhibition?

My favourite thing about the RBA Exhibition is the variety and the inclusion of sculpture.

Do you have a favourite piece you are exhibiting at the RBA Annual Exhibition 2026 and why?

My favourite piece for the RBA 2026 is ‘That Mystical Land’ The original drawing was one of a series from a visit to Ireland. Truly a land of great beauty and mysticism.