LONDON.- This October, Halcyon Gallery will present Robert Heindel 1938-2005, the most complete collection of the artist’s work to go on display in the UK spanning 25 years of his hugely successful career. Many of the works have never been publicly displayed before.

Described by David Bintley * as "The greatest painter of dance since Degas", Heindel was synonymous with the ballet, receiving widespread international recognition both in the worlds of dance and art. His devotion and commitment led to collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned ballet companies – including the Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Scottish Ballet and the Noh and Kabuki Dance and Theatre of Japan – and unique access to leading dancers and choreographers of the late twentieth century - Sir Anthony Dowell, Dame Monica Mason, Gillian Lynn, Darcey Bussell, Irek Mukhamedov, Viviana Durante.

Heindel’s reputation for capturing the spirit of dance and dancers was unrivalled. His interest lay primarily in the rehearsal where he would observe and sketch before developing his powerful oil and pastel works, conveying the strength and grace of his subjects.

Heindel’s early success in Britain - following an acclaimed show in 1986 at the Royal Festival Hall - led to work with leading figures in the world of theatre and musicals. He was invited by Andrew Lloyd Webber - a keen collector of his work - to paint The Phantom of the Opera and Cats in the pre-opening stages, and Cameron Mackintosh commissioned him to paint the barricade scene of Les Miserables.

Both Heindel’s paintings and sketches feature in prestigious international private and public collections including, HRH Diana Princess of Wales and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, National Portrait Gallery (London), Glasgow Museums, The Smithsonian Institute (Washington D.C.), and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

The exhibition at Halcyon gallery features 30 originals paintings and over 50 original prints. From his immersion in the dance world he created highly personal and emotional works connecting with all who knew the man and his art.

As art critic William Lawrence comments: “I have met and interviewed hundreds of accomplished artists, from rock stars to the cream of Hollywood’s filmmakers, and yet I treasure my memories of Robert Heindel most of all.”