Paul Karslake – The Ideas and Idols Exhibition

19th February 2008

Inspired by real celebrities, Paul Karslake found himself fascinated by film stars, musicians and models who have risen over the years to become iconic figures of today’s society. The exhibition is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, celebrating legendary faces through key moments in film, music and art.

“I’ve always wanted to know what it is that turns a celebrity into a true icon. Painting celebrities such as rock and roll stars The Rolling Stones, film stars Al Pacino, Michael Caine and model Twiggy allowed me to understand more about them as a person and gain a greater understanding of their rise to fame and elevation to an iconic status.” – Paul Karslake


A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Karslake’s diverse projects emits his passion, energy and enthusiasm for art. From still life paintings for Gordon Ramsey to customising guitars for Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards’s, to painting a Boeing 727 for British Midland to customising Lambrettas and VW camper vans, Karslake is known for his unique and significant pieces of art. A painting by Paul of Keith Richards as a pirate went on to be Johnny Depp’s inspiration for the Pirates of the Caribbean character Jack Sparrow.

Karslake travelled and studied in Europe, mastering his talent for capturing form and perspective and it was his apprenticeship with his architectural model-maker dad that taught him to use an airbrush, a skill which stood him in good stead when he moved out to LA, painting hot rods and Harleys for a living.