85-YEAR-OLD LIVERPOOL ARTIST TO SHOWCASE LIFE’S WORK IN FREE EXHIBITION!

Liverpool artist Ken Horton, aged 85, is set to present a retrospective exhibition showcasing his remarkable body of work spanning several decades. This free exhibition, which offers an intimate look at the evolution of Horton’s artistic journey, will be held at The Cornerstone Gallery, part of Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus, from Thursday, 6th November to Thursday, 18th December.

Horton, who was born in 1940 in Huyton, has had a lifelong passion for art, nurtured from an early age by his father, a keen landscape artist. His interest in creativity was further ignited at Prescot Grammar School, where he met a significant figure in his life, Stuart Sutcliffe. Sutcliffe would go on to achieve fame as the former bassist of The Beatles and is often remembered as the ‘fifth Beatle’ due to his deep artistic influence on the band.

Together, Horton and Sutcliffe worked under the guidance of their art teacher, William Walters, in the school’s art room, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to their creative pursuits. After leaving school at the age of 16, Horton worked briefly as a trainee technician at the Liverpool University Medical School.

Meanwhile, Sutcliffe was attending the Liverpool College of Art on Hope Street, and it was through Sutcliffe’s encouragement that Horton applied and was accepted to study at the same college. There, Horton honed his skills in various departments before focusing on painting, studying under the mentorship of Arthur Ballard. During his time at the college, Horton delved into life drawing, compositional studies, and the practical foundations that would guide his career.

Following his graduation, Horton spent an additional year training as a teacher, which eventually led to a fulfilling 40-year career in teaching ceramics and art at several secondary schools in Liverpool. But despite his full-time teaching commitments, Horton never stopped creating. His work was heavily influenced by the early 20th-century masters such as Pablo Picasso and Constantin Brâncuși, whose abstract forms and bold experimentation shaped Horton’s approach to both painting and sculpture.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Horton began to showcase his work in various prestigious venues across Liverpool. He exhibited at St George’s Hall, the Neptune Theatre, and participated in June Furlong’s “Merseyside Artists” exhibitions, which took place in a wide array of iconic locations, from the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo Building to the University of Liverpool’s Senate House. During this period, Horton experimented with different styles, from figurative works that leaned into surrealism and photo-realism, to a later fascination with the power of vibrant colors.

In the 1980s, his artistic expression took a distinct turn. Drawn to the abstract expressionism movement, Horton was particularly captivated by the works of Robert and Sonia Delaunay, who pioneered Orphism, a style known for its rhythmic use of color and light. Horton began creating works dominated by bold, vibrant colors and abstract shapes, moving away from figurative representation to explore the emotional and symbolic power of abstraction.

His mature work, which will be prominently displayed in this retrospective exhibition, embraces a constructivist approach, using straight lines, circles, and dynamic colour combinations. The resulting works are highly vibrant, multi-layered, and full of energy. Though abstract, Horton’s paintings often evoke organic forms, particularly birds — a passion of his that also extends to his hobby as a nature photographer and ornithologist.

Horton’s work is a testament to the timeless interplay of creativity and nature, where colour, form, and movement converge in a celebration of both artistic tradition and personal exploration. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to view not only Horton’s earlier works but also more recent pieces that reflect his ongoing artistic evolution. As the artist himself notes, this is a chance to see his journey over 40 years, from figurative works in the past to his latest abstractions.

Ken Horton’s exhibition at the Cornerstone Gallery offers a unique window into a lifetime of artistic passion, dedicated teaching, and the quiet power of personal expression. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Liverpool’s vibrant art scene or a newcomer looking to explore the creative spirit of the city, Horton’s exhibition promises a fascinating and enriching experience.

Ken Horton Art Exhibition / 6th November — 18th December 2025 / The Cornerstone Gallery, Cornerstone Building, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool L6 1HP / Free of Charge