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Inspired by the Chris Beetles solo exhibition of his work and our publication of the book, Peter Coker RA, in 2002, Peter returned to painting after more than a decade of recuperation following a major stroke in 1990. The vigorous brushwork of the Châtelet series, was painted in Paris on the banks of the Seine between the Pont au Change and Pont Neuf. Painting from different angles up and down the Seine and at different times of day, he painted from the Hotel Châtelet on the north bank, where he and Vera were staying. His abstracted brushwork evocatively represented the bustling road junction with constant movement and flashing traffic lights. Peter was so pleased with the results he exhibited several of these works at the Royal Academy and in turn the series galvanised him to paint consistently for the next two years, up to his death in 2004.