A 78-year-old surrealist painter from Swindon who disappeared from the art world for decades is now having his first solo exhibition at a publicly-funded gallery. Henry Orlik, who rose to fame in the 1970s when he exhibited alongside renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, voluntarily removed himself from the commercial art scene before making a remarkable comeback in recent years.
Orlik's work has experienced a dramatic resurgence, with his paintings selling for more than $2 million collectively and being featured in private galleries in both London and New York. The artist's debut solo exhibition at a public institution is now taking place at the council-owned Museum and Art Swindon, marking a significant milestone in his late-career renaissance.
"Now at a later age to have his first public institutional show for everyone to enjoy, I think is really very significant," said Antiques Roadshow expert Grant Ford, who brought Orlik's work to the museum. Ford, who had a 30-year career at Sotheby's, has been instrumental in reintroducing Orlik's art to the public eye.
The artist's journey began in the 1970s when he was exhibiting "beside some of the greats," but he became reclusive in the 1980s after becoming disillusioned with the commercial art world. For decades, Orlik remained largely absent from the art scene, creating his intricate surrealist works away from public attention.
Ford describes Orlik as "an incredible artist" and notes the meticulous nature of his work. "His paintings are very precise, with one painting taking about eight or nine months to complete," Ford explained. "I've never seen anything quite like them in my art career. Henry Orlik is an incredible artist who was exhibiting beside some of the greats in the 1970s then just disappeared."
The exhibition at Museum and Art Swindon features mostly loaned pieces, but the museum has made a significant acquisition for its permanent collection. Museum representative John Wood explained that they went through an extensive process to secure funding for purchasing "eggs unhatched on the sun," an initial pencil version that represents Orlik's distinctive style.
"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 honor," Wood stated. The acquisition represents the museum's commitment to supporting local artists and preserving important artistic works for future generations.
Beyond the current exhibition, Orlik faces another challenge: tracking down dozens of his missing paintings. A substantial reward of $50,000 has been offered for the return of these lost works, highlighting both their artistic value and the mystery surrounding the artist's legacy during his years of reclusiveness.
Ford emphasized the significance of recognizing Orlik's contributions while the artist is still alive, noting that "Henry is really very frail and this is recognizing what a brilliant artist he is." The exhibition serves not only as a celebration of Orlik's unique artistic vision but also as an opportunity for the public to discover a previously hidden talent in the surrealist movement.
"The Lost Surrealist: Henry Orlik's Quantum Revolution" will remain on display at Museum and Art Swindon until March 14, 2026, providing visitors with an extended opportunity to experience the work of this rediscovered master. The exhibition represents a rare chance to see the complete artistic journey of an artist who chose to step away from fame at the height of his career, only to return decades later with his vision intact and his artistic legacy finally receiving the public recognition it deserves.
