Ben Maile (1922-2017) is an internationally known artist whose work features in many significant collections, including those of the British Royal Family and major international corporations, in both commerce and industry.
He has exhibited worldwide from Australia to Alaska.
In America he has been the only British artist ever to win the prestigious annual commission from the famous West Point Military Academy. His very first West Point print 'The Long Grey Line' has become the most sought after of all time among the collectors of American militaria.
Among his limited editions published in Europe, 'The Thin Red Line', 'The Salute Palace Venice', and 'The Queen's Men' are the scarce ones collectors search for.
After settling in Ireland his penchant for historic epics has seen a collection of work depicting the Battle of Aughrim receive public and television acclaim, and The Army College at the Curragh commissioned a massive canvas: 'The Irish Soldier through the ages' which now graces the walls of their VIP lounge.
The products of his work are generally his own individual interpretation of the subject rather than a figurative presentation: in this sense they are truly impressionistic yet remaining instantly recognisable. The medium he uses is predominantly oil - a medium he progressed to through transitional periods of watercolour and gouache. His heavy impasto technique gives his paintings solidity and depth, enabling him to add the further dimension of atmosphere. This is evident in many of his works where the subjects, disappearing in a swirl of mist, become insignificant in relationship to the mood created.
