Biography
Ian Burke was born in Saltburn and grew up in Redcar before studying Fine Art at Newcastle University. Having completed a Master's at Goldsmith's College London he established a career in teaching art at schools including Queen Catherine's School, Kendal, Barnard Castle School and Rugby School. He was the Drawing Master at Eton College for twenty years until December 2021. Ian continued to devote himself to his own practical work throughout his teaching career, producing a series of one man shows and group shows. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy Summer Shows and won several national prizes.
Ian now devotes himself to producing paintings and prints in his studio at home on the North Yorkshire Moors. Much of his work is inspired by the local environment, particularly the nearby village of Staithes on the Yorkshire coast where Ian lived for four years. He is interested in the local community and traditions of the area as much as the landscape and wildlife.
Ian's work is available in several galleries including Staithes Gallery and the Pineapple Gallery in Bishop Auckland. Please contact these galleries for more details and availability.
North Yorkshire Open Studios
Ian will be participating once again in the North Yorkshire Open Studios this year. His studio is also open by arrangement.
Evening Preview- Friday 6th June 6-9 pm
Saturday 7th June- Sunday 8th June 10 am- 5 pm
Saturday 14th June- Sunday 15th June 10 am- 5 pm
Please note that access to Ian's studio involves climbing steps and crossing a lawned garden which will be slippery in bad weather.
Please contact Ian if you require further information.
News
RHS Harlow Carr
Artist in Residence
2024 - 2025
In 2023 Ian featured in 'Robson Green's Weekend Escapes' on BBC Two. His drawing lesson in Staithes with Robson Green and Mark Benton is available on BBC iPlayer.
Ian has recently completed his tenure as Artist in Residence at RHS Harlow Carr near Harrogate.
His work is on display in the foyer.
Ian will be exhibiting paintings produced in response to the residency in his studio during the North Yorkshire Open Studios. These paintings can be viewed in the Portfolio section. See above for more information.
'Inspired By' Gallery
Ian is participating in several exhibitions at the 'Inspired By' gallery at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.
He is a Represented Artist for 2025.
Please visit northyorkmoors.org.uk for more information.
PRINTFEST ULVERSTON
and HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD Print fairs
2025
Ian participated in this year's Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair and Printfest, Ulverston, following last year's successful events.
Shirley Scott, who established 'Handprinted' in 2003 ,selected Ian's print 'Blackmailer's Smile' as the winner at last year's fair.
Selected Exhibitions and Awards
Ian has exhibited widely in group shows and individually. He has exhibited at venues including Staithes Gallery; Zillah Bell Gallery, Thirsk; The Green Fuse Gallery, Westport, Ireland and Aldeburgh Contemporary.
He has been selected to exhibit at the Royal Academy Summer Shows, Bankside Gallery and Wells Contemporary.
Recent Awards include:
The Glasgow Print Prize 2019 (in collaboration with Ade Adesina RSA)- 'Whitby Translated'
RK Harrison Prize 2019, Wells Art Contemporary (with Ade Adesina RSA)- 'Whitby Translated'
People's Choice Award, National Original Print Exhibition, Bankside Gallery, London 2019 'Stonegate Owl'