Sam Toft - One Man and His Dog
Exhibition E-Catalogue
Sam Toft was born in Staffordshire in 1964.
Her work is widely published as limited edition prints, calendars, posters and greetings cards. She has also won many awards and prizes. Best Garden on a Tea Tray at Betley Show in the mid 70s was a personal triumph. As was her hotly contended third place in 100m freestyle skipping later the same year.
Working from her seaside studio these past 13 years, Sam has created a nostalgic, imaginary world inhabited by a tuneless hummer and longtime Brighton resident: Mr Ernest Hemmingway Mustard. Accompanied by his dear lady wife Violet, and Doris, the rather portly Jack Russell terrier, Ernest is determinedly planning to take over the world. Or at least a considerable portion of East Sussex.
This exhibition, the second with Panter and Hall, is her biggest and most ambitious to date. It marks the launch of her autobiography One Man and his Dog. The unveiling of a new, limited edition sculpture cast in bronze. And more original paintings than have ever been available under one roof, except for in her mum's garage.
"I am very happy to be here. It has been a pleasingly bumpy journey. Drawing and painting and writing every single day for many, many months. So much created. So much fallen by the wayside. And for all of the sadness and gladness along the way, I am extremely grateful."