HE’S designed costumes and sets for the world’s biggest films and theatre productions.
And now visitors to the North Light Gallery have an exclusive chance to see the latest collection by Peter Whiteman – the costume painter on blockbusters including Gladiator, The Mummy and Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Passing Through, a set of landscapes and portraits of France, Spain and the Americas, is showing at the Armitage Bridge gallery until October 15.
Mr Whiteman, originally from Kent, worked as a set designer for major opera and ballet productions during the 1970s and early 1980s.
He moved from the theatre to TV in the 1990s working as a costume painter on shows including Gladiators and Sharpe’s Rifles, starring Sean Bean.
Mr Whiteman also became involved with the big screen designing costumes on premium budget films including Star Wars III: Return of the Sith, Alien 3, the James Bond movie Die Another Day, and Batman Returns.
Despite a busy schedule working in theatre and film as well as teaching at art schools in France and Spain, Peter has always saved time to paint for himself or for commissions.
But over the last five years he’s been devoting more time to his original ambition of painting the subjects of his choice full-time.
And the North Light Gallery seemed the natural venue for his current exhibition.
Mr Whiteman, who now lives in south France, said: “It’s a lovely space and there’s a nice atmosphere.
“It’s like a community space but it’s also quite a serious gallery.
“Driving around Yorkshire in the last few days I could come back here to paint. With the sheep and the hills it’s rather like France.”
And how was painting sets and costumes for George Lucas, Joel Schumacher and some of the world’s biggest directors?
Mr Whiteman said: “I’ve been very lucky. I’ve been used to painting to order and you always learn something.
“I’ve had a few bad experiences but usually it’s quite a collaborative process.
“When I started off I just wanted to do painting and I’m lucky I’ve been able to paint for myself.”
Passing Through, organised by Dartura Art and Design, of Holmbridge, is open on Fridays and Saturdays at the North Light Gallery, Brook’s Mill, until October 15.
