Peregrine Heathcote

Something to Think About

2010

British painter Peregrine Heathcote creates narrative scenes set in the Jazz Age. His statuesque women and stylish men, frequently appearing alongside Art Deco-era trains or cars in the golden light of late afternoons, are on the move. Heathcote’s oil paintings burst with color and conjure a long-gone world of glamour and intrigue.

Heathcote initially established himself as a portrait artist. In the mid-1990s, after studying at Heatherley School of Fine Art and the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, he secured commissions for portraits of royalty, celebrities and other high-profile subjects. He has since begun to draw on his past in order to create work that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Heathcote was born in London. His father was an antiques dealer specializing in militaria. As a result, his childhood home was stacked with collectible arms, weaponry and relics from various historical battles. Heathcote’s mother was fond of fashion, and the artist amassed a collection of vintage hats from around the world. His bedroom walls were adorned with textiles from Asia and the Middle East. Heathcote’s parents moved to Dubai in the early 1970s, and he spent his time playing with children of sheiks.

Returning to England at age 8, Heathcote took summertime classes at Heatherly in printmaking and nude drawing — he is the youngest student to have attended the school. Later, he studied at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts in Italy. He pursued a career as a painter and began painting members of royal families such as Prince Jeffrey of Brunei and the Duke and Duchess of St Albans.

Not satisfied with a life of portraiture but continuing to work in a realist style, Heathcote now draws on his fondness for a bygone era in his travel-focused work. His inspiration comes from the journeys of his youth, his father’s love of antiques, his mother’s love of fashion and his grandfather’s exploits as a test pilot in the Royal Air Force.

Heathcote has collaborated with Ralph Lauren and has participated in group and solo exhibitions in London and in cities all over the United States.

Find Peregrine Heathcote paintings on 1stDibs.