Simon Bartram (b. 1968)
Simon Bartram is a profoundly talented artist working within the rich traditions of northern England. He was born in Jarrow, and attended Birmingham Polytechnic studying fine art with a specialisation in Illustration. He graduated in 1990 with First Class Honours.
He has subsequently built an increasingly successful career in both fine art and illustration, with a rich and meticulous style of painting of superb technical mastery. His work displays the strong influence of his northern roots and northern heroes such as Stanley Spencer, Peter Blake and the illustrator Reg Cartwright who was so prominent in late twentieth century advertising.
Simon’s own editorial and advertising commission have included work for clients such as ES Magazine, The Independent on Sunday and Faber and Faber. As an author and book illustrator Simon was runner-up for his retelling of the classic Pinocchio in 1999 Mother Goose Award, and was recently nominated for The Kate Greenaway Medal.
In an increasingly successful career Simon is represented by the leading London agency ARENA, and amongst his many books is the creator of the enormously successful character Bob, Man on the Moon, of which the latest publication Bob and The Moon Tree Mystery has become an international best-seller. His collaborations with the publisher Templar have also produced other well-known titles including Douglas’s Deep-Sea Diary and Watch Out for Sprouts.
Simon remains true to his northern roots, living and working in Newcastle-upon-Tyne close to his passion Sunderland A.F.C. Much of his fine art reflects his love of football and the corresponding life of urban northern England, encapsulating the gritty social realism of his world rendered with a breath-taking technical ability yet a charming and humorous sensitivity.
Here Simon can be seen signing a selection of his books for us at the gallery on Bury St.
