October 2024: Rothko and Roma, presented by Abbey Awards and the BSR.

Christopher Rothko in conversation with Francesco Stocchi, addressing the question of architectural influence on Mark Rothko’s oeuvre. Introduced by BSR Director Abigail Brundin and Danny Rolph, Chair of the Abbey Council.

Andrew Stahl, June 1954 - October 2024

The BSR and the Abbey Council are deeply saddened to hear of the death of the artist Andrew Stahl. Andrew was an active member of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the BSR and the Council of the Abbey Awards in Painting for over twenty years. Throughout his distinguished career as an artist and educator was a great champion of the BSR, and member of its community of artists and academics. Following his studies at the Slade School of Fine Art (1973-9), Andrew was awarded an Abbey Major scholarship at the BSR between 1979-81, and then returned to the school with a Rome Award in 1991. He exhibited internationally and also held major teaching roles which culminated in the award of a Professorship in Fine Art from the Slade School of Fine Art , Andrew remained actively involved in the BSR, as frequent visitor, a devoted member of the Abbey Council, and a loyal supporter of all the current artists and painters at the school.  Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Announcing the Abbey Scholar And Fellows 2024/25:

Can Gun (Scholar), Jack Killick, Catherine Ferguson, Ian Law

Congratulations Abbey Scholar and Fellows 2023/24:

Tura Oliveira (Scholar), Lynn Fulton, Michael Coppelov, Rafal Zajko

June 2023: Vanessa Jackson, RA, steps down as Chair and we welcome new Chair, Danny Rolph.

After more than 10 years, esteemed painter and installation wall painter Vanessa Jackson RA is stepping down as Chair of Abbey Awards. During her time as Chair, Vanessa has steered Abbey Awards with insight and integrity, strengthening the bonds with the British School At Rome, supporting the development and evolution of both Abbey Awards and the BSR; we are delighted to add that she will continue to serve on the Abbey Council. Vanessa's 2022 publication, Murmurations, is published by Copy Press. 

The Abbey Council welcome Danny Rolph as the new Chair of Abbey Awards. Danny was the Rome Scholar 1998 and has been a valued member of the Abbey Council since 2013. Danny recently visited the BSR and is dedicated to the work initiated by EA Abbey in 1926; to provide the best possible opportunities for painters to pursue their practice. A painter of international renown, Danny was awarded the Mark Rothko residency in 2020 and is represented by 532galleryThomas Jaeckel (NYC), Barbara Davis Gallery (Houston) and Aeroplastics, Brussels.

Performance at the BSR:
Claudio Pestana, Abbey Scholar 2022

Ex Roma V, exhibition of Abbey Alumni, APT Gallery, 2021