It keeps me in touch with life: The London artist still working at 103
Some might think that your average centenarian would be content to sit back and take it easy after a long life. But not south London painter Anthony Eyton.
He may have turned 103 last weekend, but he is busy preparing for this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition—its world’s oldest open submission exhibition. Eyton, from Brixton, has seen his work exhibited all over the globe, including at Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and the Imperial War Museum. He says creating paintings gives him satisfaction.
'Art isn’t just an escape—it’s what I do, and it keeps me connected to life,' he says. He also credits the satisfaction of painting as the only thing he can do, which allows him to stay active despite the physical limits of aging.
Eyton’s love of art began in school when he drew a duck and a worm at the age of six. His classmates dubbed him 'Constable.' Now, as an artist, he draws people, places, and objects, often capturing the essence of life. He says he “painted hard” from the age of 14, and his military service from 1942–1947 added another layer to his creative journey.
Age has been no barrier to him embracing social media. With his daughter Sarah and a photographer, he shares his work online, often talking about art and his paintings. He describes his natural connection to the camera and the joy of connecting with others through his digital presence.
'I used to focus more on promoting myself than on our relationship,' he explains. Now, the balance has shifted, opening up his work to a global audience. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, which will take place from June 16 to August 23, sees tens of thousands of entries but less than 10% success rate—highlighting the challenges of competition. Eyton’s new piece, scheduled for framing and hanging, brings him closer to completing his work while ensuring deadlines are met.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how his dedication transcends time. Even with a passing age, he continues to create and share his art, showing that creativity and passion can thrive even when individuals grow older. This raises questions about the role of art in preserving human connection and identity.
