George Melling
Part of the New Light Prize Exhibition 2020
After five years training as a butcher it became apparent, with George’s interest in drawing and painting, that art school was the place where a more fulfilling and creative career lay. On moving to London, George won a place at Kingston university where he was awarded a first-class honours degree. He then moved on to Chelsea school of art to study for a master’s degree in painting.
Since leaving London and moving back up north, there have been numerous showings at the Royal Academy summer exhibition. George has also exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery on three occasions in the BP portrait award. He came second in 1987. He has also had exhibitions in the North of England, including a one man show at the university of Central Lancashire and a mixed show at the Gavagan Gallery, Settle. George was also commissioned to paint a mural in Preston’s newly upgraded Minster to celebrate Preston’s new city status.