An exceptional, institutional-scale piece of 1980s British contemporary art history. Painted in December 1980 and executed for the highly competitive national Tolly Cobbold Eastern Arts 3 Biennial Exhibition in 1981, this large-scale abstract work by London artist Paul Fowler perfectly encapsulates the brutalist, architectural visual language emerging from East London’s post-punk warehouse art scene.
Titled “Dry grey: linear remains,” the piece comes from Fowler's curated series “The glass box.” It commands immediate attention through its stark juxtaposition of ethereal, atmospheric washes and sharp, mathematical geometric forms.
The Aesthetic & Composition
Measuring a striking 87 x 94 cm, the artwork possesses incredible gallery presence. Fowler masterfully contrasts a moody, cloud-like background of muted greys, mauves, and soft terracotta tones with sharp, intersecting geometric linework in primary blues, reds, and a definitive yellow diagonal strike.
The composition features delicate, translucent white veiling that creates a multi-layered surface profile, giving the piece immense optical depth that changes beautifully depending on the room's natural light.
Provenance & Historical Authenticity
This piece is a heavily documented, collector-grade asset featuring exhaustive historical evidence intact on its original backboard
Exhibition History: Bearing the official entry stamp (No. 0391) for the renowned Tolly Cobbold Eastern Arts 3 national touring exhibition (1981), a prestigious showcase that helped define British contemporary art in the late 20th century.
Studio Provenance: Hand-signed by the artist and labeled from his historic workspace at Studio 515, Metropolitan Wharf, Wapping Wall, London E1 - the epicentre of London’s pioneering 1980s warehouse art movement.
Gallery Representation: Handled by the Gilbert Parr Gallery on the King’s Road, Chelsea (1981).
Archival Framing: Housed in its original, bespoke minimalist metal channel frame, assembled by the pioneering Atlantis Conservation System team at New Crane Wharf, Wapping.
Condition Report (The Glass Box)
The artwork itself is in pristine, original condition, preserved for over 45 years. True to its historic preservation, the piece remains housed under its original 1980s archival acrylic glass panel panel installed by Atlantis in 1980.
Curator's Note on Condition: Reflecting its long history and transit journey, the original 1980s acrylic features a single, clean, localized fracture line in the extreme bottom-right corner margin. In alignment with our curatorial philosophy at ATLANTIC curated, we have chosen to leave this original vintage glazing entirely intact rather than modernizing it. Because the artwork belongs to Fowler’s “The Glass Box” series, this linear fracture introduces a compelling, honest continuation of the artwork's geometric narrative - isolated safely in the corner, well away from the composition and signature. It stands as a brilliant, authentic testament to its 45-year history.
Dimensions Width: 94 cm Height: 87 cm Depth: 2.5 cm (Minimalist metal profile)
Styling & Placement Notes: With its stark graphic lines and industrial weight, this statement piece is perfectly suited for high-end residential interiors, minimalist workspaces, or mid-century modern architectural contexts. It pairs exquisitely with brutalist objects, raw concrete surfaces, and classic 20th-century design furniture.
An exceptional, institutional-scale piece of 1980s British contemporary art history. Painted in December 1980 and executed for the highly competitive national Tolly Cobbold Eastern Arts 3 Biennial Exhibition in 1981, this large-scale abstract work by London artist Paul Fowler perfectly encapsulates the brutalist, architectural visual language emerging from East London’s post-punk warehouse art scene.
Titled “Dry grey: linear remains,” the piece comes from Fowler's curated series “The glass box.” It commands immediate attention through its stark juxtaposition of ethereal, atmospheric washes and sharp, mathematical geometric forms.
The Aesthetic & Composition
Measuring a striking 87 x 94 cm, the artwork possesses incredible gallery presence. Fowler masterfully contrasts a moody, cloud-like background of muted greys, mauves, and soft terracotta tones with sharp, intersecting geometric linework in primary blues, reds, and a definitive yellow diagonal strike.
The composition features delicate, translucent white veiling that creates a multi-layered surface profile, giving the piece immense optical depth that changes beautifully depending on the room's natural light.
Provenance & Historical Authenticity
This piece is a heavily documented, collector-grade asset featuring exhaustive historical evidence intact on its original backboard
Exhibition History: Bearing the official entry stamp (No. 0391) for the renowned Tolly Cobbold Eastern Arts 3 national touring exhibition (1981), a prestigious showcase that helped define British contemporary art in the late 20th century.
Studio Provenance: Hand-signed by the artist and labeled from his historic workspace at Studio 515, Metropolitan Wharf, Wapping Wall, London E1 - the epicentre of London’s pioneering 1980s warehouse art movement.
Gallery Representation: Handled by the Gilbert Parr Gallery on the King’s Road, Chelsea (1981).
Archival Framing: Housed in its original, bespoke minimalist metal channel frame, assembled by the pioneering Atlantis Conservation System team at New Crane Wharf, Wapping.
Condition Report (The Glass Box)
The artwork itself is in pristine, original condition, preserved for over 45 years. True to its historic preservation, the piece remains housed under its original 1980s archival acrylic glass panel panel installed by Atlantis in 1980.
Curator's Note on Condition: Reflecting its long history and transit journey, the original 1980s acrylic features a single, clean, localized fracture line in the extreme bottom-right corner margin. In alignment with our curatorial philosophy at ATLANTIC curated, we have chosen to leave this original vintage glazing entirely intact rather than modernizing it. Because the artwork belongs to Fowler’s “The Glass Box” series, this linear fracture introduces a compelling, honest continuation of the artwork's geometric narrative - isolated safely in the corner, well away from the composition and signature. It stands as a brilliant, authentic testament to its 45-year history.
Dimensions Width: 94 cm Height: 87 cm Depth: 2.5 cm (Minimalist metal profile)
Styling & Placement Notes: With its stark graphic lines and industrial weight, this statement piece is perfectly suited for high-end residential interiors, minimalist workspaces, or mid-century modern architectural contexts. It pairs exquisitely with brutalist objects, raw concrete surfaces, and classic 20th-century design furniture.
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