The Rink, 3pm, 1992

Bill Jacklin RA (b. 1943)

RA Collection: Art

Jacklin was born in London and initially studied graphics at Walthamstow School of Art before taking a place at the Royal College of Art in 1964 to study painting. At first his work was mostly abstract but from the mid 1970s his paintings became more figurative, particularly in its exploration of the effects of light and movement. His work was exhibited in one-man shows throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s in London and New York.

In 1985 Jacklin moved to New York and began painting a series of paintings of the city. The Rink, 3pm is typical of this work in that he presents a slightly blurred vision of a large crowd, viewed from a high vantage point. This gives both a sense of distance, but also allows the viewer a feeling of excitement in watching the swirl of the skaters.