WHEN renowned painter Stan Rosenthal died last December, he left a unique body of work, much of which goes on show in a selling retrospective at Pure Art, Milford Haven this month.

Pure Art’s owner Leslie Crascall said: “He will go down in history as one of the most important painters of Pembrokeshire, and it’s an honour to be exhibiting his work.”

Born in London in 1933, Rosenthal took to art as a boy. He entered art college in Southend at the age of 14, transferring to Leicester two years later. While still a student he exhibited at the Ben Uri Gallery (The London Jewish Museum of Art) and took a job teaching art at Vaughan College in Leicester. However, an eye injury changed the path of his career, causing him to abandon art in favour of a series of teaching jobs.

When he resumed painting 40 years later, he was quickly offered exhibitions in London and Cardiff. Shortly afterwards his role as an artist was cemented (and his style dramatically shaped) by a move to Pembrokeshire.

He remained in Pembrokeshire for many years, living in a long list of small towns and villages, from Pembroke to Narberth, where he had a studio gallery. Ill health eventually forced a move to the milder climate of the south east.

He continued to paint Pembrokeshire and the work he left behind bears testament to his unique vision of the area.

Leslie Crascall said:“His unique, colourful vision captures the area as no other artist has. I know he would have been pleased to see his work on show once again in the area that gave him so much inspiration.”

The show runs at Pure Art, Milford Marina from this Saturday until July 20th.