Michael Papworth started working in the art industry at the age of 14 in his local gallery as an assistant and picture framer; a time he thoroughly enjoyed while he was developing his skills as an artist and experimenting with different techniques.
 
After his GCSEs, Michael studied for a National Diploma in Art and Design at Long Road College in Cambridge, which further developed his work as he became aware of a particular style emerging and a focus on landscapes started to evolve.

Having always been fascinated in the relationship between sky and land and how a calm or dramatic scene can be created, Michael uses texture, colour and the unique process of lithography to recreate this and tell a story of a forever-changing landscape. You will often see a single tree in his work and although that may at first appear to be quite a simple scene, it is always striking and creates a reaction.

From 2008 to 2011 Michael was employed at The Curwen Studio, at Chilford Hall in Cambridge, as a studio printmaker, where he worked to create original, hand drawn lithographs alongside artists such as Paula Rego, Angie Lewin, Mark Hearld and was the printer for HRH The Prince of Wales and also for Rolf Harris, who Michael found most inspirational to work with - after a day spent with Mr Harris, hearing his endless stories and songs, Michael would find himself going straight to the drawing board to create a new lithograph.

Living just outside Cambridge and growing up next to fields means Michael is surrounded by the subject he enjoys drawing the most. Every day he sees a new landscape that he has never noticed before. Michael says: “I was once told that people who have purchased my work often find themselves driving through the countryside and spotting a ‘Michael Papworth tree’!”

After building up a great deal of experience in the printmaking industry, Michael is now looking to develop his skills and knowledge further by studying another area of interest: product design. He has always been passionate about producing something that people can enjoy and talk about and his art background will be fundamental for this new venture. The link from fine art printmaking to product design will give him the opportunity to combine the two forms together while studying for his degree.