Collection: Paul Shakespere

Paul is a multidisciplinary artist and printmaker with a background in technical illustration and a career that spans both industry and academia. Born just north of Stratford-upon-Avon, his interest in art began at a young age. While others were drawn to sports and outdoor pursuits, Paul was more inclined to stay indoors, sketching, painting, and asking endless questions about how comics were created and printed—a curiosity that would later shape his career.

At school, Paul faced a pivotal decision between studying art or engineering. Opting for the latter to pursue financial stability, he trained as an aircraft technician apprentice. However, after a downturn in the aerospace industry, Paul redirected his career path and enrolled at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design, where he studied Technical Illustration—a discipline that blended his artistic interests with engineering principles. The course provided a strong foundation, equipping him with a broad range of creative and technical skills.

After completing an MA in Information Illustration at the Royal College of Art, Paul embarked on a successful freelance career, producing illustrations for books, magazines, and newspapers. His mediums included airbrush, watercolour, gouache, and digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator. Although he briefly worked in computer-generated technical illustration, the repetitive nature of the assignments led him to seek more creatively fulfilling opportunities.

Paul was invited to teach at his former college, eventually becoming Course Director. While he valued student engagement, he found a better fit at Southampton Solent University, where he became Course Leader for Graphic Design. There, he was part of a dynamic team that ran an exceptional program, and he gained access to extensive printmaking facilities that reignited his passion for print techniques. Paul continued freelancing alongside his academic role, as the university encouraged staff to maintain professional practice. His teaching career also included international lectures and workshops in the United States, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Finland, and Portugal.

Paul's work has been exhibited in notable venues such as The Science Museum, The Mall Galleries, and Chemistry Gallery in London, as well as Shanghai University and local galleries including The Red House Museum, The Gallery Upstairs, and Church House.

Now retired, Paul devotes his time to his personal practice, working primarily in watercolour, line and wash, collagraph, and screen printing.