SOLD

Jonathan Adams (British, 1931-2005)

Figures by a fountain

Oil on board

12.1/2 x 6.1/2 in. (31.8 x 17 cm.)

Born John Adams in Northampton, he trained as an artist at Northampton Art College and Chelsea College of Art. He became an actor in 1959, changing his name to Jonathan Adams, but continued working as an artist. He was especially known for his surrealist cartoons and collages. His work has been exhibited at a wide range of venues including London University's Dixon Gallery, the Barbican Centre, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, the South London Gallery and the Chelmsford Arts Festival (where in 1996 he was Resident Artist). His final exhibition, "Jonathan Adams in Wonderland", opened at the Riverside Studios in London, the April before his death. As an actor, Adams is best known for his role as the Narrator in the original 1973 London production of The Rocky Horror Show, and is featured on the original cast soundtrack. He is also well known for portraying Dr. Everett Von Scott in the 1975 film version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Adams died in London, England, of a stroke at the age of 74. A portrait of Adams by British artist David Gommon is displayed on the BBC Paintings online gallery.