Simon Thomas Braiden is a self-taught artist born in Manchester 1971.
Whether it be children or adults, young or old, Braiden’s work is characterized by an acutely observed, high-realist style that draws inspiration from the precision of Northern Renaissance masters like Van Eyck and Memling. Importantly however, it goes beyond mere realism to capture the soul and presence that is relatable to a modern audience. Through an exacting process of observation and meticulous detail, Braiden evokes a timeless quality, balanced by a profound empathy for his subject’s humanity. At times, he will place subjects in semi-imagined settings to amplify their individuality in ways that are metaphorical rather than literal, enhancing the desired sense of psychological depth.
Braiden’s portrait of Dame Maureen Lipman was acquired by The National Portrait Gallery (London) for their permanent collection in 2022. He came to prominence as an exhibitor and finalist in the BP Portrait Award in 2018, 2019 and 2020. He has exhibited in The Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition in 2021, 2023 and 2024. His work was acquired by The Groucho Club (London) for their collection in 2018 and is held in museums, institutions and private collections. He lives and works in Manchester, England.
Selected Exhibitions:
2024: Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries, London
2023: Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries, London
2022: BBA Gallery, Berlin, Germany
2021: Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries, London
2021: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen
2020: National Portrait Gallery, London
2020: Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh
2019: National Portrait Gallery, London
2019: Winchester Discovery Centre, Winchester, Hampshire
2019: Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh
2018: Wolverhampton Art Gallery
2018: Dean Clough Gallery, Halifax
2018: National Portrait Gallery, London
2017: Portico Gallery, Manchester
2016: Stockport Art Gallery & Museum
2014: Portico Gallery, Manchester
2013: Medici Gallery, Cork Street, London
2013: Portico Gallery, Manchester
2012: Bury Art Gallery & Museum
2012: Buxton Art Gallery and Museum
2010: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, Eton
2009: Contemporary Fine Art, Battersea, London