Arthur Berry (1925-1994) was born in Smallthorne, N. Staffordshire, England. His artistic journey began early when he joined the Burslem School of Art at the age of 14. Influenced by renowned artists Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde, as well as the vibrant art movements of his time.
After training at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, he went on to teach at Gravesend Technical College and School of Art, where one of his students was the future pop artist Peter Blake. In 1981, Arthur Berry achieved membership in the esteemed Royal Academy.
Throughout his life, Arthur carved his own artistic identity, crafting a unique style that deeply resonated with the working-class community and villages of his upbringing. His works were a reflection of his environment and the individuals who inhabited it. With a profound affinity for the working people, Arthur’s art drew from his deep roots in the working-class tradition, laying the foundation for his powerful expressions.
Aside from his prowess as a painter, Arthur was also a talented poet and playwright. His autobiography, “A Three and Seven Pence Halfpenny Man,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the events that shaped his life. Over the years, Berry’s artistic legacy has been celebrated through retrospective exhibitions, with notable showcases at the Stoke-on-Trent City Museum and Art Gallery in 1984 and The Gallery in Manchester in 1995.
