We have a new artist at the Castle! Our revolving gallery is now hosting work by the talented Holly Weston from Weston Paints, who is as likely to be seen climbing as painting.

“I was born in Hackney and grew up in east London,” says Weston, who has been painting and drawing since childhood, inspired by artistic parents. “My dad was a traditional gilder and signwriter and painter of pub signs, and my mum painted murals all over my bedroom walls – and any other walls she could get her paintbrush on!”

“I always wanted to make a living out of painting, like my dad, but he saw signwriting as what it was, a dying art and packed up his brushes and retired to rural France.” Weston’s style has developed with influences from both of her parents into something that’s unique to her. “I grew up emulating the classical techniques used by my dad in his pre-Raphaelite inspired oil paintings, which was his passion when he wasn’t sign-painting but integrating into my style a little of my mum’s no-nonsense, rapid, free and imaginative style of painting.” 

Her work consists of self-described “Kitsch and quirky portraits of your pet”. You’ll find a selection of large canvases and smaller works on the Café stairwell and more smaller works in the upstairs Café seating area, each one with a story to tell. You may even recognise one large canvas of Freya – the dog belonging to Olly, one of our Castle Instructors! 

"Most times when I arrive at The Castle I expect to see Freya outside, by the bike shed, like the gate-keeper of The Castle. She's a perfect model because of her wolf-like features and characterful poses (mostly sticking her tongue out)." says Weston. 

If any of Weston’s pet portraits give you ‘paws’ for thought, then get in touch with her directly to take one home!

Visit Weston Prints website

Email weston@westonpaints.com