Painter in oil, watercolour and acrylic, and teacher, born in Beaminster, Dorset. Studied at West of England College of Art, Bristol, 1941–50, his studies being interrupted by Army service, 1942–7, abroad. He went on to become head of the department of fine art, Southampton Institute of Higher Education, retiring in 1989. Became a tutor for Artscape Painting Holidays and a consultant and demonstrator for Winsor & Newton. In 1963 Folkes won a Goldsmiths’ Travelling Scholarship which enabled him to travel widely in America. In 1959 he was elected RWA, in 1969 RI, holding senior positions with both bodies. Had a series of solo shows, beginning with Rumbold Gallery, Midhurst, 1962, later ones including RWA, 1986, and St Paul’s School Gallery, 1992.