24 Artists & Illustrators
Brown admits that his nickname is slightly cheesy and
accepts that it’s part of who he is professionally, though
some people aren’t so keen. “David Messum never liked it,
but this is because he felt it was reductive,” he explains of
his long-standing gallerist. “He hated the labelling.”
Indeed, Peter’s career has rocketed since his street
selling days with collectors regularly paying five-figure
sums to own one of his larger pieces which are always
thoughtful, painterly and cut through with a sense of
urgency somehow. He is also a member of several major
art societies, including being halfway through his second
year as the president of the New English Art Club (NEAC).
“For me it’s a massive honour,” he says, recalling how
simply joining the NEAC in 1998 was the fulfilment of a
huge personal ambition. “The history of the NEAC – the
painters we’ve had through the years – it’s amazing.
There are people in the NEAC who have been taught by
heroes of mine; you feel you are in touching distance.”
Past members of the 134-year-old society include such
legends as John Singer Sargent, Walter Sickert and Gwen
John. Peter praises his fellow current members too, citing
them as “phenomenally knowledgeable about paintings”
while insisting he is “thick as two short planks” himself.
This seems unlikely, although his humbleness is
characteristic. “When I was a student I struggled with
drawing and the truth is, I still do,” he says. “In my A-Level
class I was far and away the worst: my proportions were allBath is not an edgy city in
any way but it’s very beautiful
and I’m happy painting that