Paul Horton was once described by his art teacher as ‘drawing like a pre-Raphaelite’ which encouraged him to seek out and study the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood.

An exhibition in a museum is a rare and prestigious accolade, this recognition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in the Autumn of 2013 was not only well deserved but testament to Paul’s inner determination and self-belief to overcome early difficulties, establishing himself as one of the most popular artists of his generation.

Paul Horton was once described by his art teacher as ‘drawing like a pre-Raphaelite’ which encouraged him to seek out and study the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. Inspired by this he developed a deep interest in figurative painting which he cultivated during life drawing classes at the renowned Bournville School of Art. It was his studies in the traditional use of the figure and approach to realistic representation that allowed him years later the confidence to paint and sculpt from his imagination.

Paul Horton’s extensive knowledge of the history of art allows him to be inspired by the methods and materials of artists such as Degas and Chagall. He is often described as the modern-day Lowry, with his paintings being imbued with a working-class spirit and ethic that is rarely seen. In spite of this, there are clear and constant truths that only belong to Paul and his audience; he has an innate ability as a storyteller that enthrals those who have come to know and love his work and taken him to a popularity he never thought possible.