The life of Downholme artist Dudley Edwards, who rose to prominence during the Swinging London era in the 1960s, is featured in the latest Inside Yorkshire podcast.
The artist shot to fame during the 60s painting wild coloured furniture, shop fronts and even a piano owned by one of the Beatles.
He was born and brought up in Yorkshire, studying art in Halifax and then Bradford, before moving down to London to seek fame and fortune. He wasn’t disappointed.
Dudley began life in West Yorkshire and was inspired by his school teacher to attend the Halifax school of Art. This was much to his father’s disappointment who was keen for him to get a proper job.
He did so well there that it took him onto further studies at Bradford College of Art. Having completed five years of training and honing his skills he was keen to seek fame and fortune – London beckoned.
Once down in London, Dudley got together with two other Bradford graduates, Doug Binder and David Vaughan, the three of them founding the BEV pop collective. Their vibrant art designs on furniture, shop fronts and cars led to commissions from clients who included David Bailey, the Beatles and Tara Browne, heir to the Guinness fortune.
BEV’s psychedelic murals appeared everywhere from the boutiques of Kings Road and Carnaby Street to Paul McCartney’s ‘Magic Piano’. Paul was keen to engage them to work for him after seeing their painted Buick…. return to Yorkshire.
He was commissioned to produce large murals for one of the Sheikhs in Saudi Arabia. These were produced in UK and then shipped to be reassembled in their final destination.
Dudley continues to paint in his Yorkshire studio but he doesn’t find it enjoyable…as he confessed “it is a compulsion”, however when he achieves the results he is striving for then that makes it all worthwhile.
To listed to Inside Yorkshire podcast on Dudley Edwards click here.
