John Bratby (RA)

Biography

John Bratby  RA  1928 - 1992 

Born in Wimbledon in 1928, John studied at the Royal College of Art from 1951 to 1954. So well respected was his work there, that within three years he had taken a post as a tutor at the same college.

It was during the 1950s that John’s work began to achieve critical acclaim. Its mix of impressionism and the depiction of daily life and images led to the phrase “kitchen sink realism” being coined for his work, and many thereafter.

John was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1971, and built a large collector following for his colourful and heavy use of paint, including the likes of Paul McCartney. He became known as somewhat of a maverick, both in terms of his art, but also in terms of his public persona and ability to self-promote.

Over 100 works by John Bratby are housed in major international public collections, including the Tate, UK Government Collection, Hepworth Museum, Birmingham Museum, Laing Art Gallery and the Museum of London.

John is firmly and rightfully seen as an important and influential part of the British mid-to-late twentieth century art movement.

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