Top Of The Pops Studio (2001) by Stephen B Whatley
In 2001 expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley was commissioned by the BBC to paint a view of The Top Of The Pops Studio; the second of two interiors he was requested to paint within the BBC. Earlier in the year he had painted the BBC Radio Theatre, housed at BBC Broadcasting House, London UK.
Top Of The Pops, the popular weekly show of latest contemporary music is filmed in Studio One at BBC Television Centre, London - and it was here, from a specially designated stage, under strong lights that Stephen made this dynamic rendering of the everchanging atmosphere, during rehearsals and filming of the TV programme.
Over 7 hours he painted what seemed like a galaxy of light and moving masses; watching the various groups perform before focusing on singer Beverley Knight and her band which he interpreted, surrounded by the sea of clapping and swaying crowds. Unlike any of his previous paintings, this was a work in which the artist was unable to escape noise - indeed he realised the pounding volume was an integral part of the essence of the atmosphere of Top Of The Pops - and found that the rhythmatic sounds became part of the creation.
The painting was specially commissioned for the office of the Chairman of the BBC.
Oil on canvas 30 x 40in
Collection BBC Heritage, London UK
Top Of The Pops Studio (2001) by Stephen B Whatley
In 2001 expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley was commissioned by the BBC to paint a view of The Top Of The Pops Studio; the second of two interiors he was requested to paint within the BBC. Earlier in the year he had painted the BBC Radio Theatre, housed at BBC Broadcasting House, London UK.
Top Of The Pops, the popular weekly show of latest contemporary music is filmed in Studio One at BBC Television Centre, London - and it was here, from a specially designated stage, under strong lights that Stephen made this dynamic rendering of the everchanging atmosphere, during rehearsals and filming of the TV programme.
Over 7 hours he painted what seemed like a galaxy of light and moving masses; watching the various groups perform before focusing on singer Beverley Knight and her band which he interpreted, surrounded by the sea of clapping and swaying crowds. Unlike any of his previous paintings, this was a work in which the artist was unable to escape noise - indeed he realised the pounding volume was an integral part of the essence of the atmosphere of Top Of The Pops - and found that the rhythmatic sounds became part of the creation.
The painting was specially commissioned for the office of the Chairman of the BBC.
Oil on canvas 30 x 40in
Collection BBC Heritage, London UK