Memorial Art Exhibition Celebrates Rare Ltd and GoldenEye 007 Artist Brett Jones at Atkins Gallery

A memorial exhibition honoring Brett Jones, the accomplished artist and art director known for his pivotal work at Rare Ltd, is currently open to the public at the Atkins Gallery in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

Jones, who tragically passed away in July 2024, played a significant creative role in developing landmark titles like GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark for Nintendo platforms, leaving an indelible mark on both the video game industry and visual arts. Running until the end of this week, "Painting Icons: Inside the Art of Brett Jones" celebrates the eclectic legacy of Jones, whose career spanned more than two decades across film, television, and game design.

According to the official site, the exhibition pays tribute to Jones’ journey from the early days at Rare Ltd—where he contributed to the design of the iconic James Bond game for Nintendo 64—to his later work on major Hollywood productions like Guardians of the Galaxy.

His proficiency as a 3D generalist and his versatility across media, including traditional sketch cards and digital artwork, are prominently displayed. The event has already drawn notable visitors, including several of Jones’ former Rare colleagues such as Chris Marlow, Martin Hollis, Steve Ellis, and David Doak, underscoring the strong community ties within the British game development sector.

Their attendance not only acknowledges Jones's personal impact but also the significance of his contributions to games that remain celebrated in Nintendo history. The exhibition was made possible through a successful community crowdfunding effort initiated by Kit Cox in the months prior to Jones’s passing.

The campaign surpassed its original £2,500 target, ultimately reaching £3,200.

Cox, who organized the show, confirmed that the funds have been primarily allocated to framing Jones's artwork—a task the artist himself was preparing to complete before his death. "From November 4th for two weeks, the Atkins Gallery will present a comprehensive display of Brett Jones’s artwork to the public," Cox stated.

She emphasized that, regardless of fundraising outcomes, the show was guaranteed to go ahead as the venue had been secured in advance.

However, the additional support has helped ensure that Jones’s portfolio is properly preserved and exhibited—a fitting testament to his influence on game design and digital art. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge, offering fans, fellow developers, and members of the game industry a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of a key artist whose creations helped define an era of Nintendo gaming.

For updated show dates and more details, visitors are encouraged to check the Atkins Gallery website.

GoldenEye 007 Rare Ltd. Brett Jones Rare Ltd Atkins Gallery Hinckley Ltd GoldenEye Nintendo