Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 21 works by Maggi Hambling in our catalogue
In short
To the gallery's eye, Maggi Hambling's most famous painting is Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992) (1993), whose original hangs in the Harris Museum - Art Gallery, Preston. Big Sea, May (2005) and Self Portrait (2011) complete the trio every eye recognises. Of the 21 works by Maggi Hambling in our catalog, the gallery presents the 21 most famous below, each original with its year, its museum and what makes it unique.
The gaze of Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992), meets the viewer from within the frame of this portrait painting by Maggi Hambling. He sits held by the structure of an ornate chair, a figure of civic presence captured in a moment of quiet stillness. The weight of his position is felt in the way he occupies the space, settled firmly amidst the textures of his station. This work, painted…
Maggi Hambling's Self Portrait, created in 2011, is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that delves into the realms of self-expression and introspection. This oil on canvas painting measures 53 x 43 cm and is a testament to Hambling's unique style, which often blends elements of surrealism with traditional portraiture. Artistic Style and Technique Hambling's use of vibrant colors, particularly the dominant blue and yellow hues, creates a striking visual effect.…
Clark Brundin (b.1931), Vice Chancellor (1985–1992)1993
12
George Melly1998
13
Bev Walters, Principal of Morley College (1991–2003)2003 · Morley College
14
Professor Sir Jack Goody (b.1919)2011 · st John's College
15
Dragon Sunrise
16
Head of Christ at the Moment of DeathLady Margaret Hall
17
Catherine Parkinson
18
Still LifeBorough of Camden v Londýne
19
River SceneThe National Trust For Scotland
20
Archibald, 5th Marquess of Aberdeen and TemairThe National Trust For Scotland
21
Champagne Laugh1991
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Maggi Hambling | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 The National Trust For Scotland |
Elgin | 2 | River Scene, Archibald, 5th Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair |
 Harris Museum - Art Gallery |
Preston | 1 | Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992) |
 Jerwood Gallery |
Hastings | 1 | Jemma Leaning to the Left, Seated |
 New Hall Art Collection |
Cambridge | 1 | Mrs Anne Lonsdale |
 Guildhall Art Gallery |
London | 1 | Sir Ernest Ashley Bramall (1916–1999), Leader of the Inner London Education Authority |
 Morley College |
London | 1 | Bev Walters, Principal of Morley College (1991–2003) |
 st John's College |
Cambridge | 1 | Professor Sir Jack Goody (b.1919) |
 Lady Margaret Hall |
Oxford | 1 | Head of Christ at the Moment of Death |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
The gaze of Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992), meets the viewer from within the frame of this portrait painting by Maggi Hambling. He sits held by the structure of an ornate chair, a figure of civic presence captured in a moment of quiet stillness. The weight of his position is felt in the way he occupies the space, settled firmly amidst the textures of his station. This work, painted…
Maggi Hambling's Self Portrait, created in 2011, is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that delves into the realms of self-expression and introspection. This oil on canvas painting measures 53 x 43 cm and is a testament to Hambling's unique style, which often blends elements of surrealism with traditional portraiture. Artistic Style and Technique Hambling's use of vibrant colors, particularly the dominant blue and yellow hues, creates a striking visual effect.…
Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992) (1993), Harris Museum - Art Gallery, Preston. Big Sea, May (2005) and Self Portrait (2011) come next.
48 years old: Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992) dates from 1993, and Maggi Hambling was born in 1945.
Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992), Big Sea, May, Self Portrait, Jemma Leaning to the Left, Seated, Father, Late December 1997, Mrs Anne Lonsdale, Lett Dreaming, Cormorant with Fish Underwater III, Sir Ernest Ashley Bramall (1916–1999), Leader of the Inner London Education Authority and Minotaur Surprised while Eating. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 21 works by Maggi Hambling, dated from 1986 to 2011.
Mostly in The National Trust For Scotland (Elgin), Harris Museum - Art Gallery (Preston) and Jerwood Gallery (Hastings). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1990s: 6 of the 21 works on this page were made then, Harold Parker, Preston's Guild Mayor (1992) among them.
On this page, the earliest is Minotaur Surprised while Eating (1986) and the latest Self Portrait (2011).
River Scene and Archibald, 5th Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair: the The National Trust For Scotland, Elgin holds 2 of the works on this page.
Maggi Hambling CBE stands as a singular figure in contemporary British art, celebrated for her distinctive blend of painting and sculpture—a practice deeply rooted in observation and driven by an unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of human experience. Born in Sudbury, Suffolk, in 1945, Hambling’s formative years were shaped by a family that nurtured artistic inclinations; her father instilled a passion for painting, while her mother fostered a love for movement and performance through ballroom dancing. This early exposure profoundly influenced her artistic sensibilities, establishing a foundation for her subsequent explorations into the rhythmic complexities of portraiture and the raw, elemental power of the landscape.
Her formal artistic education provided the rigorous technical scaffolding upon which her expressive style would later flourish. Following studies at the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing under the mentorship of Cedric Morris and Lett Haines, she refined her craft at the Ipswich School of Art, Camberwell College of Arts, and finally the Slade School of Art, graduating in 1969. These formative years instilled a deep understanding of artistic history, yet Hambling never sought to merely replicate the past; instead, she used her technical mastery to explore the psychological depths of her subjects. Her work often reflects a fascination with the complexities of human emotion and memory, portraying individuals with a remarkable sensitivity that transcends mere likeness.
Hambling's professional breakthrough arrived in 1980 when she was appointed Artist-in-Residence at the National Gallery. This prestigious position allowed her to engage deeply with the masters of the past while forging a new path in contemporary portraiture. Her series of portraits from this era explored themes of identity and vulnerability, often characterized by a striking use of color and texture. One of her most iconic interactions involved the comedian Max Wall, whose playful response to her inquiry about his preferred color became part of the lore surrounding her collaborative spirit—an approach that emphasizes dialogue and engagement with the subject.
Her portraiture is never static; it is a living exploration of character. In works such as Sir Ernest Ashley Bramall, she utilizes dramatic backgrounds and striking realism to capture the gravity of leadership and age. Conversely, her more recent explorations, such as her Self Portrait from 2011, demonstrate a move toward a textured blend of surrealism and realism, capturing the profound nature of aged introspection. Through her brush, the sitter is not just observed but felt, with every layer of oil paint contributing to a sense of psychological depth.
Beyond the canvas, Hambling has carved her name into the public consciousness through monumental sculptural endeavors. Her work in three dimensions often mirrors the raw energy found in her paintings, particularly her fascination with the sea and the ephemeral nature of existence. Her sculptures frequently invite a physical interaction with the environment, challenging the boundaries between art and the natural world.
Notable achievements in her sculptural career include:
The historical significance of Maggi Hambling lies in her refusal to be confined by medium or convention. Whether she is utilizing vibrant pink and yellow hues in a post-impressionist style, as seen in Champagne Laugh, or creating heavy, textured landscapes, her work remains an unwavering testament to the power of the human spirit. She continues to be a vital force in the art world, reminding us that art is not merely a depiction of life, but a profound encounter with the very essence of being.
