Paul Stafford BA (Hons) MA (Slade), ARBS, Hon Fellow KU

Paul Stafford was born in Rochdale in 1957, where he attended the local college and discovered art. In his element, he progressed to study Fine Art at Lanchester Polytechnic in Coventry.

He moved from the North to London and The Slade School of Fine Art to study MA Sculpture under his heroes, Reg Butler and John Davies, and was named the ‘Year’s Most Promising Student’. Paul then went on to represent Great Britain at “Art Expo, New York” amongst many other national and International exhibitions.

Working with the human body as a focal point, his work is a reflection of his life. Sculpture and self portraits from 2008 onwards focused on Paul’s escape from the crash landing of flight BA038 at Heathrow in 2008, which had a profound effect on his life and his work. Whether drawing, painting or sculpting Paul has always worked with elements that reflect the various components his life. His work is sometimes difficult to view, sometimes profound but always highly personal his work has evolved to mirror his life in a way that all artists work of any merit generally does.

Stafford has shown his work extensively in the UK, Europe, Japan and the USA. His perhaps most controversial show was “Sex in the City - Naked London” July 2013 at Gallery Different. He has been a gallery artist at Gallery Different since its inaugural show. Recently he has been exhibiting in France where Paul has a house and studio. The paintings in France reflect Paul’s love of all things French with many combining his skill at painting with his talents as a chef.

Paul was elected a member of The Royal Society of British Sculptors in 2012 in recognition of his contribution to British Sculpture; He was made an Honorary Fellow of Kingston University in 2014 in recognition of his influence on Art and Design education.

Paul lives and works in London and The South of France.