You may have only just spotted the cat. The cat has been watching for some time. In Hiding by Lucy Chambers takes us into the branches, where dark fur meets leafy shadows and bright, alert eyes offer the clue to a hidden observer.
Lucy was drawn to the combination of adventure and watchfulness in cats: the climb into a high place, followed by the discovery of somewhere excellent to remain unseen. Her subject has found a private vantage point from which to survey the world below.
PanPastels and pastel pencils allow her to explore soft fur alongside rough bark, delicate leaves and dappled light. Brighter greens and yellows sit against deeper tones, creating the feeling of sunlight finding its way through the foliage.
It is a portrait of a cat doing something entirely natural, while also enjoying an apparent advantage over the viewer. If you have ever searched a garden for a cat who was looking directly at you, this may feel familiar.
Explore the Winter Exhibition
The exhibition closes on Sunday 15 November 2026.
