Robert Buhler 1916-1989

Robert Buhler was a British painter celebrated for his restrained, atmospheric views of urban and suburban life. Born in London to Swiss parents, he studied at the Royal College of Art and emerged as a thoughtful observer of the post-war city. In the 1940s and 1950s, Buhler developed a distinctive style characterised by muted tones, precise structure, and a quiet, contemplative mood.

His painting Early Morning (1939), held by Kensington and Chelsea Council and visible on Art UK, exemplifies this approach—capturing a hushed urban scene with cool light and gentle tonal gradation. Other works from this period, such as Wandsworth Common and Chelsea Rooftops, reveal his sensitivity to light and form, and his ability to evoke stillness in everyday spaces. Though never part of a formal movement, Buhler was elected a Royal Academician in 1947 and became a respected figure in British realist painting.