Patronage in the world of art remains integral. The intimate network of support that is built between artists, collectors and galleries can have far-reaching impact and long-lasting influence. Within these exchanges, one gains an education, an opportunity and often, close friendship.

This is true of Dr. Mark Golder and Brian Thompson, long-time friends of Rabley Gallery and collectors who epitomise how small acts of generosity and kind interest can create a large impact in art education, creation and discovery. 

This feature will introduce Dr. Mark Golder and Brian Thompson’s wonderful approach to collecting art, whilst additionally celebrating the artists of Rabley Gallery, whose work, endeavours and differing approaches to contemporary print-making enliven Mark and Brian’s passion.

Dr. Mark Golder and Brian Thompson began their journey as teachers, sharing a fondness of education and allowing young minds to grow. A care for learning draws parallels with their long-founded penchant for collecting works on paper.

In his own words, Mark describes his vocations as “I see my life as having three components: relationships (look after those to whom you are close), job (look after the students), and interest (look after places which want to acquire and who art).” Works on paper and prints champion diversity, dynamism and democracy, which has allowed Mark and Brian the opportunity to spread awareness and appreciation of these wonderful bodies of art for all. 

The Golder – Thompson Gift stands now as a long lasting partnership with the Pallant House Gallery, having contributed more than 500 works over the course of twenty years.

Giving meaning to one’s life is important, and a love of art is powerful in enabling this. From speaking to Brian and Mark, it is inspiring to see how close they both are to every piece in their collection. Their dedication to share these interactions and eagerness to inspire new ones for visitors and the wider public, signifies just how meaningful the collection of the Golder – Thompson Gift has been for artists, art-lovers and everyone involved. 

For the last 15 years, Meryl Ainslie and the Rabley Gallery team are proud to have worked together and introduce major publications to the Golder – Thompson Gift. 

We would like to publicly thank Mark and Brian for their continued fervour in the world of works on paper, their whole-hearted interest in all artists and their warm company over the years.

Below we have highlighted some of the wonderful artworks from artists represented by Rabley Gallery featured in the collection of the Golder – Thompson Gift.

“The majority of the subjects and locations I record were considered at the forefront of technology during their lifetime. These technologies are now defunct or reconfigured for different uses, the unrelenting obsolescence of technology leaving these monuments behind, the pace of technological advancement continually moving forwards. The etching process enables me to make a sustained enquiry into the subject’s structure, location and the effects of time passing. It becomes my own visual experience and a graphic equivalent to an observed moment in time.” – Ian Chamberlain

“The image is inspired by and refers to the River Thames which runs past the end of the garden at Durham Wharf. It draws a loose visual connection to Hammersmith Bridge and the light reflected on the water at night.” – Katherine Jones

“My images are a response to the ephemeral nature of the land and question our profound emotional and physical relationship with it, especially at this time of ominous environmental change. My practice involves walking in and working from the land followed by extended studio-based work. My images often reflect a point of dramatic change in light – at dusk or dawn, in moonlight or an approaching storm. Within Reach is part of a series referencing the compelling, yet illusive, line of horizon viewed across water, that can never be reached.” – Sara Lee

“Objects become more than single elements when repositioned in their total context, and their relationships can then be seen in a new light. In the Mitate series, my objective is to have the viewer choose any of the 100 elements that take their fancy and give them new meaning by creating their own combinations and associations. This viewer selection then, will give new life to and take on new meanings for the worn-out and antiquated symbols of Japanese culture.” – Nana Shiomi

An opportunity to explore the wonderful collection of The Golder – Thompson Gift is available at:

Hockney to Himid: 60 Years of British Printmaking

Saturday 13th November 2021 – Sunday 24th April 2022

Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, PO19 1TJ