Stephanie Rew: Dreamers

We are delighted to present Dreamers, a major solo exhibition of new paintings by celebrated Scottish artist, Stephanie Rew, opening on 1st August in our Aldeburgh gallery.

Renowned for her exquisitely detailed figurative works, Rew has established an international reputation for paintings that combine the technical mastery of historical painting with a distinctly contemporary atmosphere. Alongside a devoted collector base, she has amassed a substantial global social media following, with audiences drawn to the extraordinary craftsmanship, symbolism, and quiet emotional intensity of her work.

This exhibition explores the imaginative and contemplative spaces that exist beyond everyday experience. Through luminous portraits and richly decorative compositions, Dreamers captures moments of introspection and emotional stillness, figures drifting inward, stepping away from the familiar to dream of other worlds and other times.

Speaking about the exhibition, Rew says:

“This exhibition of recent work explores the state of mind when we surrender to our imagination. Capturing those moments of drifting inward, stepping away from the familiar to dream of other worlds and other times. My figures are connected in silent conversation or stand alone in quiet reverie.”

The exhibition presents a remarkable new body of work in which Rew continues to refine and expand both her painting and gilding techniques. By incorporating egg tempera, oil paint, watercolour, pastel, gold leaf and glass gilding, she combines centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary approaches, creating surfaces of extraordinary luminosity and intricacy.

“I merge centuries old techniques with modern approaches, constantly problem solving as I go,” Rew explains. 

Stephanie’s practice is deeply informed by the Old Masters and the craftsmanship of the Renaissance, influences strengthened through recent visits to galleries and churches in London and Florence.

Elements of metalwork, antique embroidery, stained glass and tapestry design have all found their way into the visual language of these new paintings, enriching the works with layers of ornamentation, symbolism and historical reference.

The exhibition follows the success of Rew’s acclaimed previous solo exhibitions with Thompson’s Galleries, including Gilded and A Heart of Gold, both of which attracted exceptional collector interest and sold out.

Dreamers will feature both large scale gilded panels and more intimate works on paper, showcasing Stephanie’s continuing exploration of texture, light, ornamentation, and storytelling.

Stephanie Rew: Dreamers

1st - 16th August 2026

Thompson's Gallery Aldeburgh