OUR Artist of the Week: Yankel Feather

Many Artists might be tempted to create a personal history or back story resembling Yankel Feathers as it affords the sort of providence that is sure to increase a talented painters work. For Yankel Feather however the truth of his history is a genuine and fascinating footnote to an incredible and prolific artist in every sense of the word. That is why Yankel Feather is OUR Artist of the week!

Yankel Feather was born in 1920 in Toxteth Liverpool. He was the youngest of seven children and the family was very poor. A self taught painter, Yankel began to paint as a young age and pursued his art with a solid determination despite such tragedies as an absent father and the death of his mother when he was fourteen years old.

His early life was spent as a struggling painter and it wasn't until 1940 that he had his first solo exhibition at a book shop in Manchester. Yankel Feather became part of the artistic bohemian fringe while working as a Telephone Operator and during this time he took studios at Park Walk in Chelsea in the 1940s and exhibited at the renowned Helen Lessore's Beaux Arts Gallery in London during the 1950s

During the 1960s and 70s Feather was popular and well known, owning night clubs and antique shops. Among his friends were George Jardine, Brian Epstein and the Beatles to name a few.

Yankel Feather was a prominent artist and eventual succesful business man. He was also openly gay and during his lifetime found love with two long-term partners, Bill King and Terry Arbuckle with whom he shared his home in Brighton. According to wikipedia, Yankel Feather expressed his sexuality in a series of simplified linear paintings. Feather is listed in the directory of Modern British Painters and his work is enjoyed by many collectors including Ringo Starr.

Yankel Feather died April 18th, 2009. His estate is managed by his surviving partner and committee.