Where art meets the automobile: Welcome to the Wilton Legends Artist Pavilion

The Artist Pavilion at Wilton Legends 2026 is a world-first art exhibition, attracting international contemporary artists, some debuting new artworks, in the grounds of the classical painting and sculpture collection at Wilton House.

Invited artists focus on quality and individuality
Three European and two American artists have been invited alongside leading UK-based artists this June, creating a visual showcase of contemporary art across a range of styles and media. The exhibition brings together a varied group of artists, each defined by an individual approach, including painting, bronze sculpture, ceramics, screenprinting and photography.

Historical significance to today’s contemporary artists
Echoing the storytelling theme of the main Wilton Legends, the Artist Pavilion legends museum display explores the history of cars within art, linking Sonia Delaunay’s 1920s ‘art cars’, the BMW Art Cars, international artists Richard Prince and Ron Arad, alongside the graphic works of Geo Ham and the paintings of Peter Hearsey and Dexter Brown in 20th-century race posters.

Several original works from the latter artists will be on display, some available for acquisition. Works by more than 15 curated contemporary artists will also be available, reflecting the continued development of the genre for collectors and enthusiasts.

Announcing our first eight artists

Swedish Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner Stefan Johansson will present large-scale optical paintings. Alongside his racing career, Johansson maintained an interest in art and design, turning to painting following the death of his friend Elio de Angelis in a 1986 Formula 1 test accident. Painting has since become a central focus, with Johansson applying the same discipline he brought to racing.

Matteo Macchiavelli developed his work following a career in design and fashion. The Italian artist has created Formula 1 trophies based on his ‘Heroo’ sculpture series, along with car sculptures inspired by Ayrton Senna and a Batmobile concept. He will present ceramic helmet sculptures created in collaboration with Sardinian ceramic specialist Cerasarda, combining art, ceramics and motor sport references.

Among the international artists is Bill Pack, an American photographer whose work centres on ‘painting with light’. His compositions use controlled illumination to reveal form, proportion and surface detail, producing works positioned between fine art and collector culture.

Ella Freire is a screenprinting artist inspired by classic cars, vintage cameras and a collection of 1960s and 1970s airline luggage tags, tickets and ephemera. Her work includes enlarged Pan Am luggage tags and Silverstone Formula 1 passes, reproduced with close reference to original designs. Two Pan Am pieces were exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2024.

Gregory Percival, a British sculptor, produces works based on automotive and aviation forms. His latest piece is based on Jim Clark’s first win in the Lotus 49, incorporating references to the Cosworth DFV. Developed with input from Richard Attwood, the sculpture combines cast and patinated bronze with glass elements.

Chris Twitchell creates limited-edition hand-made wire sculptures inspired by traditional coachbuilding techniques. His work focuses on form and proportion, with exhibitions held in the UK and Paris.

Paul Howse is an automotive designer and watercolour artist. His design work includes the Lanzante 95-59, following earlier projects such as the McLaren P1, 720S and Artura. His watercolours reflect his experience in automotive design, with exhibitions including the RAC Club in London and commissions for The Road Rat.

Laurence Poole creates assemblage sculptures using found objects, drawing on commercial and industrial design. His work combines model cars, cameras and other items to explore themes of function and memory through repetition and juxtaposition.

Announcing two of our four ‘legend’ artists

Dexter Brown is one of the UK’s leading motoring artists, known for abstract and expressive paintings used in race posters since the 1960s. His work is characterised by strong colour and form. He produced the full Formula 1 poster series in 1997.

Peter Hearsey’s work is defined by attention to detail and the use of colour and tone. He was the official poster artist for the first Goodwood Festival of Speed and continued in that role until 2014. He is also known for producing automotive etchings.

Unique artwork visibility to visitors
The exhibition will be positioned within the grounds of the event, and the pavilion structure is open on all sides, allowing the works to be viewed from multiple angles within the setting of Wilton House.

Stefan Johansson: https://stefanjohansson.art/
Matteo Macchiavelli: https://www.matteomacchiavelli.com/
Ella Freire: https://ellafreire.com/
Gregory Percival: https://gregorypercival.co.uk/
Bill Pack: https://www.v12enterprises.com/
Paul Howse: https://www.paulhowseart.co.uk/
Laurence Poole: https://www.laurencepoole.com/
Chris Twitchell: https://www.ctwitchell.com/
Dexter Brown and Peter Hearsey artworks courtesy of Historic Car Art: https://historiccarart.net/