Born in Prestwich, Manchester in 1948, Reg Gardner's artistic journey began early. He honed his skills at the renowned Manchester High School of Art, where he secured a scholarship at the tender age of fourteen. A natural talent, Reg demonstrated his artistic prowess early on, winning his first art competition in the Manchester Evening News at just twelve years old. He continued to cultivate his artistic vision through dedicated self-study, immersing himself in the works of the masters within the city's esteemed public galleries. Reg's artistic career took flight in 1969 with his debut exhibition at the Colin Jellico Gallery in Manchester. Over the next three and a half decades, he has captivated audiences with numerous successful solo exhibitions, many of which sold out. Many awards and solo exhibitions have followed and his works have been exhibited at Stockport Art Gallery, the Manchester Academy and London’s National Theatre where he has been championed by the likes of Sir Ian McKellen. His work now graces prestigious private collections worldwide, spanning from St. Petersburg to Bermuda. Reg is renowned for his distinctive style and refined understanding of colour and light, employs his beloved palette knife to achieve a rich, impasto effect. He describes himself as an "atmospheric" artist as he prioritises capturing a specific mood over photographic accuracy whilst drawing inspiration from memory mostly from urban north, often around Manchester and the North West. Reg’s paintings evoke a sense of calm and stillness, even within these bustling cityscapes often with a melancholic or contemplative quality to his work. This approach, he believes, liberates his imagination allowing him to transcend the limitations of direct observation.