Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the British designer and artist known for his flamboyant style, is launching a new exhibition titled "Drawn To Adorn" that showcases his distinctive artwork. The exhibition will begin in Brighton on June 27, followed by stops at Cotswold Contemporary in Marlow on July 4 and Soho Fine Art in Stratford-upon-Avon on July 11.
Llewelyn-Bowen, whose career spans television and interior design, has never shied away from bold artistic choices, a trait evident both in his home and his work. His vividly colored interiors, inspired by 1980s New Romanticism, reflect a personal aesthetic that prioritizes individual taste over conventional standards. Raised in Kensington, west London, he studied at Camberwell College of Arts, an institution known for producing notable creatives such as Jeff Banks and Quentin Blake.
His artistic approach often challenges mainstream expectations and has drawn mixed reactions. During a recent conversation with former Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, she critiqued his paintings as evoking images of “naughty satyrs” lurking out of sight. Llewelyn-Bowen embraced this interpretation, asserting that a playful and provocative element is precisely what his work aims to convey.
Despite—or perhaps because of—his unapologetic style, Llewelyn-Bowen acknowledges that his art may not align with prevailing trends in the contemporary art world. “There’s no such thing as good taste or bad taste. It’s your taste. It’s my taste,” he said, highlighting his commitment to individual expression rather than conforming to artistic norms. He cautioned those expecting works resembling those of high-profile contemporary artists like Damien Hirst that his exhibition will diverge from such expectations.
Llewelyn-Bowen’s return to exhibiting art follows a period of reduced public engagements. He attributes this partly to a traumatic experience on the reality television program Celebrity Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls. During a water-based challenge in Costa Rica, Llewelyn-Bowen reportedly ran out of oxygen while trapped underwater, requiring resuscitation by Grylls. The incident led to a firm decision to avoid further reality TV appearances, a choice supported by his wife Jackie, who also advised against participation in shows such as Bake Off.
Now focusing on his artwork, Llewelyn-Bowen plans to engage directly with audiences on his tour, inviting conversations about his pieces. Despite his established career and financial stability, his motivation stems from a genuine passion for his craft rather than commercial necessity. The upcoming exhibitions provide an opportunity for fans and art enthusiasts alike to explore the bold and unapologetic creativity that has characterized his work for decades.