Not content with being one of the best songwriters and lyricists ever, Bob Dylan has amused himself with various other hobbies over the past fifty years. Aside from having a go at acting, directing and writing fiction, with varying success, Dylan has also been a prolific painter and illustrator throughout his career. Whilst there are some well-known examples of his work, namely the covers of his own Self-Portrait album and of The Band’s Music From Big Pink, Dylan’s paintings reside firmly among the end-notes of his overall career.

A new exhibition of Dylan’s paintings on canvas at London’s Halcyon Gallery, then, offers a rare and fascinating look at this facet of his artistic output. Collecting about twenty pieces taken from drawings Dylan made on the road in the early 90s, the exhibition is brief (I went on my lunch break), but very worthwhile. Even if you don’t particularly rate his style or skill as a painter, a legendary figure such as Dylan commands your thought and attention with whatever he produces. Another bonus to your visit will be the beautiful space of the gallery itself, a five-story Georgian building given a contemporary make-over, whilst retaining beaultiful old features such as fire places and an incredible stone staircase. And it’s free. You literally can’t lose.

More images after the…