Richard Bolingbroke: A Life in Pattern and Bloom

About This Exhibition

Join us in remembering Richard Bolingbroke (1952–2024)—a beloved gay artist, gardener, muralist, and pillar of the Hunters Point Shipyard artist community—and experience a rare collection of his never-before-exhibited large-format floral watercolors.

These pieces come from one of Richard’s most iconic series: luminous still lifes of flowers and vases alongside Japanese kimonos—the body of work that earned him lasting respect as a painter. Lovingly preserved by his husband, these vibrant, intricate watercolors are now being shown for the first time.

Artist Biography & Legacy

Richard Bolingbroke was born in Southsea, England, and after a transformative spiritual pilgrimage to India and stops across the U.S. and Europe, he settled in San Francisco in 1986. For over 35 years, he maintained a studio in Hunters Point Shipyard, where he became a mover and shaker of the artist community. Richard played a vital role in protecting artist studios—in particular, saving his fellow artists from eviction from a wing of the main building where his own studio was housed.

A founding member of the Gay Artists Alliance and active across many local arts organizations, Richard was also celebrated for his murals and community engagement. Most recently, he contributed to the mural installation in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport, working with artist Craig Calderwood and Precita Eyes Muralists.

He was also an avid gardener, generous host, and dedicated community advocate—always engaging with life and art at full intensity.

Artist’s Statement

“As an artist, looking closely, and with attention, is what I do. Over the 30 years of my career, my gaze has been fascinated with many subjects. I came to see that the common thread through these interests was pattern, structure and rhythm. These are the things that together create the universe.”

Gallery Hours & Events

Opening Reception: August 21, 6-8 PM

Ongoing Exhibit Hours:

The gallery is open Saturdays 1 - 5 PM, August 30, September 6, 13

Closing reception with talk by Steven Gaynes and others celebrating Richard's life September 13.

Talks begin at 2PM

No RSVP required for Saturday visits—drop by, view the work, and reflect on the artistic life and legacy of a deeply loved San Francisco creative force.

Whether you’re an artist, friend, neighbor, or art lover, this exhibit is a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary creative life.

Thursday, August 21 | 6:00–8:00 PM

The Shipyard Gallery – 101 Horne Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

Free admission with .

Light refreshments provided. Cash bar

This event is presented by Shipyard Trust for the Arts (STAR) in collaboration with Steven Gaynes, the late Richard Bolingbroke's husband.

Ongoing Exhibit Hours:

The gallery is open Saturdays 1 - 5 PM, August 30, September 6, 13, or by appointment. Email: [email protected] or text to 415-640-8906 (Steven)

September 13: Closing reception with talk by Steven Gaynes and others celebrating Richard's life

Talks begin at 2PM

Questions? [email protected]

More info: shipyardartists.com

Instagram: @hunterspointshipyardartists

Facebook: @shipyardartists

Accessibility and Transportation:

• Free parking
• Served by Muni lines 15 and 19
• Wheelchair accessible

Shipyard Trust for the Arts

Supporting artists, stories, and community at Hunters Point Shipyard

Want to support our free events? Please donate here.

Host or Publisher Shipyard Trust for the Arts