A MAJOR retrospective of an artist who helped to increase a greater public understanding of architecture takes place this autumn at a Southampton gallery.

Welsh artist Ben Johnson’s ‘Spirit of Place’ opens at Southampton City Art Gallery next month featuring works that are rarely on public display.

This is the artist’s first ever retrospective exhibition, which reflects on his extraordinary career spanning over 50 years.

Ben Johnson is considered one of the finest painters of structure and light of our time and his practice relates to an artistic tradition dating back to the Renaissance.

While he has drawn inspiration from Old Masters such as Piero della Francesca and Jan Vermeer, he has also drawn inspiration from Kandinsky, Tatlin and the Bauhaus.

For the last 40 years Johnson's paintings have celebrated architectural spaces and he is the only artist who has been made an honorary fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Known also for his epic and minutely detailed cityscapes, Johnson's recent paintings indicate a shift from the ideal, with art depicting the scars of public places and their history evoking memories both public and private.

His paintings, prints and drawings are held in public collections throughout the UK including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and Tate and in many museums worldwide.

However, the majority of his output has been commissioned for private collections and has rarely been seen in UK public galleries, which makes this exhibition a unique opportunity to see so many of his works together.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure said: “It’s fantastic that Southampton City Art Gallery will be hosting Ben Johnson’s first retrospective, which offers a great opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the work of this internationally renowned artist.

“This exhibition is just one of many at the Art Gallery that demonstrates the council’s commitment to bringing world class art to Southampton.”

‘Spirit of Place – Ben Johnson Paintings from 1969 to the Present’ will run from Friday September 18 to Saturday January 23.

Ben will also be giving an exhibition talk on Saturday November 28 at 2pm.