the collector's folio

John Bratby Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John Bratby our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John Bratby · 1928 – 1992

Interior with fireplace and window at Greenwich – John Bratby

1957 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #1: Interior with fireplace and window at Greenwich

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20226 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Jean Reading by John Bratby, 1954

1954 · Jerwood Gallery, Hastings · original 61 x 51 cm

A poignant portrait of quiet focus captures a woman lost in her book in this 1954 masterpiece by John Randall Bratby, inviting you to bring the evocative essence of Kitchen Sink Realism into your private collection.

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #2: Jean Reading

Art Movement: Kitchen Sink Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24051 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Antonia Fraser (b.1932), John Bratby

original 169 x 122 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #3: Antonia Fraser (b.1932)

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$749122 × 169 cm Commission at original size

The Purple Globe Artichoke Flower

original 142 x 81 cm

Explore 'The Purple Globe Artichoke Flower' by John Randall Bratby – a chaotic Expressionist studio scene in oil paint. Discover 1950s British art & its symbolic representation of the creative process.

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #4: The Purple Globe Artichoke Flower

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$53581 × 142 cm Commission at original size

John Bratby: Self Portrait with Playing Cards

original 122 x 67 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #5: Self Portrait with Playing Cards

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17723 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38867 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Venice Scene and Traghetto, Italy

Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, Middlesbrough · original 122 x 91 cm

Explore John Randall Bratby’s ‘Venice Scene & Traghetto’! Impressionistic Venice captured in blues & whites. Dynamic brushstrokes, gondolas & reflected architecture. A romantic, evocative piece.

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #6: Venice Scene and Traghetto, Italy

Art Movement: Impressionism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47391 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Small Head of Jean (Jean Bratby, née Cooke, b.1927) – John Bratby

Government Art Collection, London · original 31 x 27 cm

Explore 'Small Head of Jean' by John Randall Bratby – a striking Kitchen Sink Realist portrait. Bold colors & expressive brushstrokes capture a poignant moment. Discover this 1950s British art masterpiece.

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #7: Small Head of Jean (Jean Bratby, née Cooke, b.1927)

Art Movement: Kitchen Sink Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Day Nursery (1957) by John Bratby

1957 · National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa · original 217.2 x 243.6cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #8: Day Nursery

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1678244 × 217 cm Commission at original size

Tree Trunks and Leaves – John Bratby

1955 · original 118.7 x 87.6cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #9: Tree Trunks and Leaves

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17749 × 20 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$453119 × 88 cm Commission at original size

Self Portrait in a Mirror by John Bratby, 1957

1957 · original 122 x 122 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #10: Self Portrait in a Mirror

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$583122 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Window, Dartmouth Row, Blackheath (1956)

1956 · Government Art Collection, London · original 123 x 150 cm

A bustling mid-century London street scene unfolds through this evocative oil painting by John Randall Bratby, capturing the raw energy of Kitchen Sink Realism and inviting you to bring this piece of history home.

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #11: Window, Dartmouth Row, Blackheath

Art Movement: Kitchen Sink Realism
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$686150 × 123 cm Commission at original size

Sunflowers (1989)

1989 · University of Birmingham, Birmingham · original 120 x 90 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #12: Sunflowers

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$46490 × 120 cm Commission at original size

Washline, Little Bridge (1989) by John Bratby

1989 · Royal Holloway, Egham · original 122 x 92 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #13: Washline, Little Bridge

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47792 × 122 cm Commission at original size

John Bratby: Bulldozing Away the Snow

original 121 x 91 cm

Original John Randall Bratby painting ‘Bulldozing Away the Snow.’ A striking Kitchen Sink Realist work from 1950s Britain. Hand-painted reproduction available in multiple sizes.

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #14: Bulldozing Away the Snow

Art Movement: Kitchen Sink Realism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47191 × 121 cm Commission at original size

Daffodil

original 76 x 55 cm

Discover John Randall Bratby’s ‘Daffodil,’ a striking oil painting showcasing impressionistic brushwork & fading beauty. Explore this 1950s Kitchen Sink Realist masterpiece – a poignant moment in time.

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #15: Daffodil

Art Movement: Impressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27155 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Self Portrait with an Easel and an Agonised Expression, John Bratby

original 122 x 91 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #16: Self Portrait with an Easel and an Agonised Expression

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47391 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Jean, John Bratby

original 45 x 34 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #17: Jean

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19334 × 45 cm Commission at original size

Cyril Smith, John Bratby

original 130 x 116 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #18: Cyril Smith

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$589116 × 130 cm Commission at original size

John Bratby: The Artist Painting a Picture

original 202 x 367 cm

Explore 'The Artist Painting a Picture' by John Randall Bratby – a raw Expressionist masterpiece depicting domestic hardship. Discover its chaotic energy & unique style today!

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #19: The Artist Painting a Picture

Art Movement: Expressionism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17743 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Jimmy Hill

original 66 x 41 cm

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17724 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22841 × 66 cm Commission at original size

Girl in High Backed Chair and Irises

original 122 x 91 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47391 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Brian Aldiss (b.1925) by John Bratby

The University of Reading, Reading · original 71 x 45 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #22: Brian Aldiss (b.1925)

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24245 × 71 cm Commission at original size

The Artist's Ten Year Old Son

original 53 x 43 cm

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21543 × 53 cm Commission at original size

Kathy Wilkes, Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy

Коледж Сент-Хільди, Оксфорд, Oxford · original 60 x 40 cm

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21940 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Self Portrait with Cart, John Bratby

original 122 x 92 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Bratby ranked #25: Self Portrait with Cart

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 34 artworks by John Bratby
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47792 × 122 cm Commission at original size

The artist

John Bratby

1928 – 1992

Quick facts

Died1992
Also known asJohn Randall Bratby, ジョン・ブラットビー, Джон Рендалл Бретби, 约翰·布拉特比
Top 3 worksInterior with fireplace and window at Greenwich, Jean Reading, Antonia Fraser (b.1932)
Movementskitchen sink realism, expressionism
Color intensitybalanced
Typical colorsearthy, neutrals
Born1928, Wimbledon, United Kingdom
Topics exploredportraits

Biography

John Randall Bratby: The Unsettling Vision of Kitchen Sink Realism

Born in Wimbledon, Surrey, in 1928, John Randall Bratby emerged as a pivotal figure in mid-20th century British art, largely through his pioneering role in the development of “Kitchen Sink Realism.” This movement, emerging from the post-war austerity and social anxieties of Britain, sought to depict the often-uncomfortable realities of everyday life – the drabness of working-class existence, domestic tensions, and a pervasive sense of disillusionment. Bratby’s work wasn't merely observational; it was intensely personal, deeply rooted in his own family life and imbued with a distinctive, unsettling emotional quality.

His early artistic training at Kingston College of Art and the Royal College of Art provided him with technical skills, but it was his encounter with Italy – a bursary-funded trip that ultimately proved unproductive – which fundamentally shaped his approach. Disillusioned by the idealized beauty he encountered, Bratby returned to England determined to capture the starkness and honesty of British life as he saw it. This rejection of romanticism fueled his commitment to portraying the mundane with unflinching detail and a deliberately unvarnished aesthetic.

The Birth of Kitchen Sink Realism

Bratby is widely considered the founder of Kitchen Sink Realism, though the movement’s roots were shared with other artists like Derrick Greaves, Edward Middleditch, and Jack Smith. This style distinguished itself by its deliberate rejection of traditional artistic conventions. Instead of idealized landscapes or heroic figures, Bratby focused on seemingly insignificant subjects – overflowing bins, stained bathrooms, worn furniture, and portraits of his family—transforming them into powerful statements about the realities of post-war Britain. The use of thick impasto, bold colors, and a deliberately rough technique further emphasized the physicality and immediacy of his work.

Crucially, Bratby’s subjects weren't presented with romanticism or pity. His family portraits, for example, often depicted individuals with weary faces, strained expressions, and a palpable sense of unease. He wasn’t interested in celebrating domestic bliss; rather, he aimed to expose the underlying tensions and anxieties that simmered beneath the surface of middle-class life. This unflinching honesty contributed significantly to the movement's provocative nature.

A Career Bridging Art and Popular Culture

Bratby’s artistic career was remarkably diverse, encompassing painting, sculpture, set design, and writing. He gained significant recognition through his work for Alec Guinness’s 1958 film *The Horse's Mouth*, creating a series of paintings that were prominently featured on the cover of Mark Knopfler’s album *Kill to Get Crimson* in 2007. This exposure brought him wider public attention, though it also contributed to a degree of misinterpretation – Bratby was often associated with the film’s fictional artist, Gulley Jimson, rather than his own distinct style.

Beyond his visual art, Bratby was a prolific writer, producing novels such as *Breakdown* and *Breakfast and Elevenses*, which explored themes of domestic conflict and psychological distress. His writing reflected the same raw honesty and emotional intensity that characterized his paintings. He also served as editor in chief for Art Quarterly from 1987-1992.

Personal Life and Complex Relationships

Bratby’s personal life was marked by both artistic passion and considerable turmoil. His marriage to Jean Cooke, a fellow artist, began with promise but deteriorated into a fraught relationship characterized by jealousy, control, and ultimately, violence. He famously locked her in their bedroom during the courtship, reflecting a controlling nature that would continue throughout their marriage. Despite this difficult dynamic, Bratby remained deeply devoted to his family, producing numerous portraits of his wife and children.

His later remarriage to Patti Prime brought a period of relative stability, but the scars of his previous relationships undoubtedly influenced his artistic vision. The complexities of his personal life—his struggles with intimacy, his anxieties about recognition, and his deep-seated emotional vulnerabilities—are powerfully reflected in his art, adding layers of meaning to his depictions of family and domesticity.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Despite initial critical indifference, Bratby’s work gradually gained recognition as a significant contribution to British art history. His unflinching portrayal of everyday life, coupled with his distinctive visual style, cemented his place as a key figure in the Kitchen Sink movement. While often overshadowed by more commercially successful artists of the era, Bratby's influence can be seen in the works of subsequent generations of British painters and filmmakers who sought to capture the complexities and contradictions of post-war society.

Today, John Randall Bratby’s paintings are valued for their raw emotional power, their unflinching honesty, and their unique contribution to the visual language of Kitchen Sink Realism. His legacy continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate art that dares to confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition.

Questions & Answers

In which historical period did John Bratby work?

John Bratby worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Where are John Bratby's artworks grouped by art movement?

The movements John Bratby worked in can be seen on the artist's All Movements page, which groups the artworks by movement.

Where can I see John Bratby's artworks in a 3D gallery?

A virtual visit is possible: the 3D Museum page of John Bratby presents the artist's works in a three-dimensional gallery.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

John Randall Bratby is most closely associated with which art movement?
During his time at the Royal College of Art, what opportunity did Bratby receive that ultimately influenced his artistic direction?
Which of the following best describes Bratby's typical subject matter?
In what film did Bratby's work appear as a fictional artist’s paintings?
What was a notable characteristic of Bratby's painting style, often described as feverish and expressive?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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Every artwork by John Bratby in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by John Bratby