■ FRI 4TH NOV: PIN UPS: An exhibition of portraits by Matthew Stradling & Sadie Lee

Matthew Stradling is represented in many art collections in Europe , America, the Far and Middle East . He is one of the most accomplished painters of the male nude in Britain today. Born in Hertfordshire in south-east England, Matthew now works from his studio in North London. His work has been exhibited internationally and he has had twelve solo exhibitions in London and Paris.

In 2001 he was selected by Sothebys to represent Britain in the 2001-2 Young Artist International Touring Exhibition and his portrait of his mother was selected for the BP Portrait Award Exhibition. In 1997 Matthew's work was included in the exhibition 'Likeness - Reflecting Sexuality' at Manchester City Art Galleries, an overview of contemporary artists whose work deals with issues around sexuality. Matthew was awarded a British Academy Scholarship to study for a Masters Degree in Fine Art at the University of Reading and went on to win the Boise Travelling Scholarship in 1990 , enabling him to continue his studies in Rome and Madrid.

Whilst at St. Martin's School of Art, studying for an Honours Degree in Fine Art during the early 1980's Matthew was introduced to the painting techniques of the Old Masters, whose themes and vision continue to inspire him.

Matthew work has recently been exhibited in Canada and North America, and he is working on a new series of paintings for a solo show to be held in Amsterdam later this year.