Stuart Pearson Wright (born 1975) is an English artist, known principally for his portraits, Wright also works in sculpture, film and printmaking. He is first prize winner of the 2001 BP Portrait Award.

Early life and education

Stuart Pearson Wright was born in 1975, and went to school in Eastbourne, Sussex and graduated from Slade School of Fine Art, University College of London (1995–1999), receiving a B.A. in Fine Art.

Career

When Wright was 25 the National Portrait Gallery acquired his painting of the actor John Hurt. The NPG also holds a pencil drawing of actress Parminder Nagra created by him in 2004, as well as a number of other British actors including Jeremy Irons, Timothy Spall,Daniel Radcliffe, Nonso Anozie and Alan Rickman. An exhibition of his work entitled Halfboy was on show at The Heong Gallery of Downing College, Cambridge from 2 November 2018 to 6 February 2019. Wright is currently represented by Flower’s Gallery London and had a solo exhibition there in November 2023 called Miscellanalects.

Awards

Wright won the BP Travel Prize in 1998. In 2001 he won the BP Portrait Award with his painting of six presidents of the National Academy. It was described as "astounding", showing the men surrounding a dead chicken. As part of his prize he was commissioned to paint author J K Rowling, and that painting is part of the National Collection. Wright won the Garrick/Milne Prize in 2005.

Personal life

Wright was conceived by artificial insemination, and grew up not knowing his father. However in 2019, following a DNA test, Wright discovered the identity of his Father, made contact and was received warmly. He has now been fully assimilated into his paternal family. He is separated from his wife, the musician Polly Wright and they have a son and a daughter.