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For immediate release

Robert Heindel 1938-2005

Commemorative Exhibition to open at Halcyon Gallery

8 October - 7 November 2009

“There is not another artist that can capture the magic of dance with such colour and movement” ~Andrew Lloyd Webber

This October, Halcyon Gallery will present Robert Heindel 1938-2005, the most complete collection of the artist’s work to go on display in the UK spanning 25 years of his hugely successful career. Many of the works have never been publicly displayed before.

Described by David Bintley * as "The greatest painter of dance since Degas", Heindel was synonymous with the ballet, receiving widespread international recognition both in the worlds of dance and art. His devotion and commitment led to collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned ballet companies – including the Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Scottish Ballet and the Noh and Kabuki Dance and Theatre of Japan – and unique access to leading dancers and choreographers of the late twentieth century - Sir Anthony Dowell, Dame Monica Mason, Gillian Lynn, Darcey Bussell, Irek Mukhamedov, Viviana Durante.

Heindel’s reputation for capturing the spirit of dance and dancers was unrivalled. His interest lay primarily in the rehearsal where he would observe and sketch before developing his powerful oil and pastel works, conveying the strength and grace of his subjects.

Heindel’s early success in Britain - following an acclaimed show in 1986 at the Royal Festival Hall - led to work with leading figures in the world of theatre and musicals. He was invited by Andrew Lloyd Webber - a keen collector of his work - to paint The Phantom of the Opera and Cats in the pre-opening stages, and Cameron Mackintosh commissioned him to paint the barricade scene of Les Miserables.

Both Heindel’s paintings and sketches feature in prestigious international private and public collections including, HRH Diana Princess of Wales and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, National Portrait Gallery (London), Glasgow Museums, The Smithsonian Institute (Washington D.C.), and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

The exhibition at Halcyon gallery features 30 originals paintings and over 50 original prints. From his immersion in the dance world he created highly personal and emotional works connecting with all who knew the man and his art.

As art critic William Lawrence comments: “I have met and interviewed hundreds of accomplished artists, from rock stars to the cream of Hollywood’s filmmakers, and yet I treasure my memories of Robert Heindel most of all.”

For more press information, please contact Helen Wharton or Iliana Taliotis at Colman Getty on 020 7631 2666 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

* David Bintley CBE - Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet

Notes to editors

Halcyon Gallery
24 Bruton Street
London W1J 6QQ

www.halcyongallery.com

Nearest tube: Green Park

Visitor information: + 44 (0)20 7659 7640

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm

Sunday by appointment only

Free entry

Halcyon Gallery

Situated in the heart of Mayfair, London, Halcyon Gallery is one of Europe’s leading art galleries, representing some of the finest contemporary painters and sculptors working today. Halcyon Gallery is committed to supporting and nurturing outstanding living artists, specialising in fine art, original paintings, drawings and sculpture.

2008 marked the 25^th anniversary of Halcyon Gallery and the opening of a magnificent new flagship gallery at 24 Bruton Street. This elegant Georgian building has been renovated to create a stunning exhibition space suitable for the finest art and joins Halcyon Gallery’s existing London gallery at 29 New Bond Street.

www.halcyongallery.com