The North Sea, 1965

Peter Greenham RA (1909 - 1992)

RA Collection: Art

Greenham was one of the longest-serving Keepers in the history of the Academy, holding the office between 1964 and 1985. Greenham’s tenure coincided with a time when the RA’s finances were in dire straits, and he resisted intense pressure from the academy’s Council to introduce tuition fees for students.



Greenham is chiefly remembered for his portraits (he retained the firm belief that all students should spend time in the Life Room) but in later life he also made a number of seascapes and beach scenes. This one was painted at Mundeseley, Norfolk between 5:30 and 6:15pm one afternoon in September 1965.