Antiques Roadshow expert brings re-discovered artist’s work to public gallery

The work of a re-discovered surrealist painter is being displayed in his debut solo exhibition at a publicly-funded gallery.

Henry Orlik, 78 and lives in Swindon, climbed to fame in 1970s when he was exhibiting “beside some of the greats” before deciding to leave the art world.

But in the past couple of years he has made a comeback, with his art selling for more than £2m altogether and featuring in private galleries in London and New York.

Antiques Roadshow expert Grant Ford has brought Orlik‘s work to council-owned Swindon Museum and Art, he said: “Now at a later age to have his first public institutional show for everyone to enjoy, I think is really very significant.”

Orlik did have some work exhibited alongside the likes of Dali in the 1970s, but became reclusive in the 1980s after becoming disillusioned with the commercial art world.

While most of the pieces are on loan to the Swindon Museum and Art, one has been bought to add to the collection.

John Wood, from the museum, explained they had to go through a long process to win the funding needed to purchase “eggs unhatched on the sun”.

He said: “I think for us to be the showcase, to be the first public window for Henry, a local artist, it’s a privilege and it’s an honour.”

His paintings are very precise, with one painting taking about eight or nine months to complete, Mr Ford who also had a 30-year career at Sotheby’s added.

“Henry Orlik is an incredible artist who was exhibiting beside some of the greats in the 1970s then just disappeared.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like them in my art career.

“Henry is really very frail and this is recognising what a brilliant artist he is,” added Mr Ford.

Orlik is also in a search for dozens of his missing paintings, with a £50,000 reward offered for their return.

The Lost Surrealist: Henry Orlik’s Quantum Revolution is on display at Swindon Swindon Museum and Art until 14 March 2026.