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The 24 Most Famous Paul Brason Paintings, a Gallery Selection
Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 24 works by Paul Brason in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Paul Brason left, the most famous is Philip William Bryce Lever (1915–2000), 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, KG. Close behind it come Professor Dorothy Wedderburn (1991) and Gerald Grosvenor (b.1951), 6th Duke of Westminster (1995). Our catalog holds 24 works by Paul Brason; the gallery has kept the 24 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
born 1952
Contemporary realism
Most works: Bodleian Libraries
Paul Brason's top 10 paintings: the gallery's choice
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The Paul Brason selection continues, 11 to 24
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Robert G. Beldam (1914–2003), CBE, Honorary Fellow (1995–2003)1995
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Canon Maurice Ridgway (1918–2002)1994
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David George Vaisey (b.1935)1996 · Bodleian Libraries
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Gerald Ball, Garage Proprietor1999 · Girton College
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Sir Keith Thomas (b.1933), President (1986–2000)2002
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Keith Gilbert Robbins (b.1940), Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of Wales Lampeter, St David's University College (1992–2003)2003
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Dr Michael Fopp, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum2007
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Lord Wilson of Tillyorn2007 · Peterhouse
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Barry Everitt, Master of Downing College2007 · Paintings Owned by Colleges
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Professor Michael Mingos (b.1944), FRS, Principal (1999–2009)2007 · Сент-Едмундс-Холл
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Alan and Grace Howard2010 · Paintings Owned by Colleges
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Professor Dame Jean Thomas2012 · st Catharine's College
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John Hood (b.1942)Bodleian Libraries
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Philip William Bryce Lever (1915–2000), 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, Chancellor of the University of Liverpool (1980–1993)
Robert G. Beldam (1914–2003), CBE, Honorary Fellow (1995–2003)1995
12Canon Maurice Ridgway (1918–2002)1994
13David George Vaisey (b.1935)1996 · Bodleian Libraries
14Gerald Ball, Garage Proprietor1999 · Girton College
15Sir Keith Thomas (b.1933), President (1986–2000)2002
16Keith Gilbert Robbins (b.1940), Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of Wales Lampeter, St David's University College (1992–2003)2003
17Dr Michael Fopp, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum2007
18Lord Wilson of Tillyorn2007 · Peterhouse
19Barry Everitt, Master of Downing College2007 · Paintings Owned by Colleges
20Professor Michael Mingos (b.1944), FRS, Principal (1999–2009)2007 · Сент-Едмундс-Холл
21Alan and Grace Howard2010 · Paintings Owned by Colleges
22Professor Dame Jean Thomas2012 · st Catharine's College
23John Hood (b.1942)Bodleian Libraries
24Philip William Bryce Lever (1915–2000), 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, Chancellor of the University of Liverpool (1980–1993)
The subjects that held Paul Brason's eye
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
Reflection 4 works
#1 Philip William Bryce Lever (1915–2000), 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, KG
#2 Professor Dorothy Wedderburn
#8 Brian Robert Morris (1930–2001), Lord Morris of Castle Morris
#16 Keith Gilbert Robbins (b.1940), Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of Wales Lampeter, St David's University College (1992–2003)
Portrait 3 works
Portraiture 3 works
The museums that keep Paul Brason's originals
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Paul Brason | Paintings from this list |
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 Bodleian Libraries |
Oxford | 2 | David George Vaisey (b.1935), John Hood (b.1942) |
 Paintings Owned by Colleges |
Cambridge | 2 | Barry Everitt, Master of Downing College, Alan and Grace Howard |
 Royal Holloway |
Egham | 1 | Professor Dorothy Wedderburn |
 Chester Town Hall |
Chester | 1 | Gerald Grosvenor (b.1951), 6th Duke of Westminster |
 Merton College |
Oxford | 1 | Dame Jessica Rawson, Warden |
 The University of Reading |
Reading | 1 | Ewan Page |
 Government Art Collection |
London | 1 | Brian Robert Morris (1930–2001), Lord Morris of Castle Morris |
 Balliol College |
Oxford | 1 | Baruch S. Blumberg |
Paul Brason decade by decade: the original that defines each
Works per decade
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
Collectors' questions about Paul Brason's paintings
Which work is Paul Brason most famous for?Reveal the answer
Philip William Bryce Lever (1915–2000), 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, KG. Professor Dorothy Wedderburn (1991) and Gerald Grosvenor (b.1951), 6th Duke of Westminster (1995) come next.
What are the ten most famous Paul Brason paintings?Reveal the answer
Philip William Bryce Lever (1915–2000), 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, KG, Professor Dorothy Wedderburn, Gerald Grosvenor (b.1951), 6th Duke of Westminster, Dame Jessica Rawson, Warden, Brian Robert Morris (1930–2001) (triptych), Ewan Page, Brian Robert Morris (1930–2001), Baron Morris of Castle Morris, Principal of St David's University College (1980–1991), Brian Robert Morris (1930–2001), Lord Morris of Castle Morris, Sir Emmanuel Kaye and Baruch S. Blumberg. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
How many paintings did Paul Brason leave?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 24 works by Paul Brason, dated from 1990 to 2012.
In which museums do Paul Brason's masterpieces hang?Reveal the answer
Mostly in Bodleian Libraries (Oxford), Paintings Owned by Colleges (Cambridge) and Royal Holloway (Egham). The museum table above lists them all.
In which years did Paul Brason paint the most famous works?Reveal the answer
In 1990s: 11 of the 24 works on this page were made then, Professor Dorothy Wedderburn among them.
What are the first and the last famous originals of Paul Brason?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Ewan Page (1990) and the latest Professor Dame Jean Thomas (2012).
Which subjects did Paul Brason choose most often?Reveal the answer
Reflection (4), Portrait (3) and Portraiture (3), across the 24 works on this page.
To which art movement does Paul Brason belong?Reveal the answer
Contemporary realism, judging by the originals on this page.
Which Paul Brason works hang at the Bodleian Libraries?Reveal the answer
David George Vaisey (b.1935) and John Hood (b.1942): the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford holds 2 of the works on this page.
Paul Brason: life and work
Paul Brason: A Portrait Artist Dedicated to Craftsmanship and Elegance
Paul Brason (born 1952) is a British portrait artist celebrated for his meticulous approach to figurative painting and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with remarkable sensitivity. Rooted in a lifelong passion for drawing, Brason’s artistic journey began at Camberwell Art School where he honed his skills and established himself as a respected practitioner of classical realism. His distinctive style—characterized by muted tones, subtle textures, and an unwavering commitment to detail—has garnered acclaim from critics and collectors alike.- Early Influences: Brason’s formative years were shaped by exposure to the artistic traditions of Kent countryside, fostering a deep appreciation for observation and craftsmanship.
- Formal Training: Camberwell Art School provided him with invaluable technical training and instilled in him a rigorous understanding of composition and color theory.
- Early Exhibitions & Commissions: Beginning his professional career in 1977, Brason quickly gained recognition through collaborative projects with publishing houses like Editions Alecto and Egerton-Williams Studio, showcasing his talent for both artistic vision and editorial precision.
Notable Achievements & Recognition
Brason’s artistic reputation solidified throughout the 1980s and 1990s as he participated in prestigious exhibitions such as The National Portrait Gallery’s Annual Portrait Awards, consistently earning commendations for his exceptional skill. His membership into The Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 1994 underscored his commitment to upholding artistic standards and furthering the legacy of British portraiture. Furthermore, Brason received the Ondaatje Award for Portraiture in 1998, acknowledging his contribution to the art world.- The National Portrait Gallery Awards: Repeatedly recognized for excellence, demonstrating a mastery of technique and emotional depth.
- Royal Society Membership: A testament to Brason’s dedication to artistic integrity and upholding traditional values in portraiture.
- Ondaatje Award Recognition: An honor bestowed upon him for his enduring influence on British figurative art, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in the field.
Style & Technique – A Pursuit of Authenticity
Brason’s artistic style is defined by its unwavering adherence to classical realism—a deliberate choice that prioritizes accuracy and subtlety over stylistic embellishment. He employs oil paints with painstaking care, layering thin glazes to achieve luminous effects and capturing nuanced expressions through meticulous observation. His canvases often depict figures bathed in soft light, conveying a sense of quiet dignity and contemplative introspection. Influenced by masters such as Rembrandt and Cézanne, Brason’s work embodies the spirit of timeless elegance and profound artistic conviction.- Oil Painting Technique: Utilizing thin glazes to build up color gradually, achieving depth and luminosity with exceptional precision.
- Composition & Lighting: Employing balanced compositions and carefully considered lighting—often reminiscent of Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro—to convey emotion and atmosphere.
- Influence of Masters: Drawing inspiration from the stylistic innovations of Rembrandt and Cézanne, Brason's work reflects a deep understanding of artistic history and tradition.
Contemporary Relevance & Legacy
Paul Brason’s enduring influence extends beyond his own lifetime, inspiring subsequent generations of portrait artists to embrace meticulous craftsmanship and emotional honesty. His commitment to portraying human subjects with dignity and sensitivity continues to resonate in the contemporary art landscape—a testament to the power of classical realism as a vehicle for conveying profound artistic ideas. He remains active as an artist today, accepting commissions and participating in exhibitions that celebrate the enduring beauty of figurative painting.- Continuing Artistic Practice: Brason actively engages with the art world, accepting commissions and showcasing his work in current exhibitions.
- Influence on Contemporary Portraiture: His dedication to classical realism serves as a guiding principle for artists striving to capture authentic emotion and detail.
- Enduring Artistic Vision: Brason’s unwavering belief in the transformative potential of art—particularly portraiture—continues to inspire artistic exploration and creative expression.