An Italian love story

A heart-warming love affair is the subject of the latest exhibition for Newbury landscape painter Chris Hall.
When he was a student at The Slade, in 1954, a friend asked him to go on a painting holiday to Italy. He jumped at the chance. Little was he to know that he would meet his future wife or that it would trigger a lifelong affair painting the landscape of this beautiful part of the world.
“My father was a travel writer and he asked an Italian friend if he could recommend anywhere for me to stay,” recalled Chris, now aged 82 and whose paintings of Italy are the subject of an exhibition opening today (Thursday) at The Russell Gallery in Putney, London.
“He introduced me to Recanati, a little known part of the country. Close to where we were staying lived this beautiful girl with whom I was instantly smitten. I later discovered that her name was Maria. She was the reason that I spent a good deal of my time learning Italian with her family.
“Three years later we were married and have been together ever since, which is quite a record in this day and age. We have regularly visited Italy ever since, especially on family holidays.”
Sarah Russell, from The Russell Gallery, added: “I have known Chris for over 30 years and worked with him at the New Grafton with David Wolfers, where he showed and had many one man shows. When I co-founded The Russell Gallery with my husband 10 years ago, I was keen to show Chris’ work and he has been with us ever since.
“Chris has over 25 paintings of Recanati in the show. It’s well worth a visit.”
Chris Hall’s paintings of Recanati can be seen at The Russell Gallery, Putney, until April 6. For details, telephone 02087 805228 or visit

Tim Saunders