Ben Kelly (1974-2024) was a British painter applauded for his vibrant, narrative-rich oil paintings that often depict everyday life with a whimsical or surreal twist. Kelly’s work draws inspiration from the Northern landscape, urban scenes, and the subtle dramas of daily routines.
His distinctive style features luminous shafts of light, playful compositions, and recurring motifs such as dogs, figures, and dreamlike settings. Kelly’s paintings frequently incorporate elements of humour and mystery, blending the familiar with the fantastical.
In 2006, Kelly won the Football in the Arts Prize, becoming only the second painter after L.S. Lowry to receive the award. This led to a residency at Manchester City Football Club, where he produced a nationally acclaimed body of work. His art has been exhibited at prominent venues including the Lowry Centre in Salford, the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Liverpool, and the National Football Museum. Kelly’s work is held in numerous private and public collections.
