Hello, I’m Alison Bradley…

…an artist currently based in Chester, where I run Alison Bradley Gallery with my partner, Jon Davies. The gallery is a welcoming space for customers, a place where you can enjoy original paintings, prints, and fine bespoke framing in a relaxed atmosphere.

I grew up in Nottingham and studied art and design in Manchester, but it wasn’t until I moved to North Wales in 2004 that painting truly became the centre of my world. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, wild coastline, and working farmland, I felt inspired to capture not just what I saw, but also the mood and atmosphere of each place. Within two years I was exhibiting in local galleries, including the Royal Cambrian Academy.

Jon has been an integral part of this journey from the very beginning. He looks after digital printing, framing, marketing, and the day-to-day running of the gallery. His fine bespoke frames, some created especially for my work, have become part of what makes our gallery distinctive.

We opened our first gallery in Betws-y-Coed in 2008, a village long associated with artists drawn to Snowdonia. In 2016 we opened a second gallery in Chester, and in 2019 we decided to concentrate on Chester alone. Many people tell us that our gallery feels like a peaceful retreat from the busy streets outside, which is exactly what we want it to be.

I paint mainly in oils on canvas or board, often starting with sketches made directly from life, then developing them in the studio with layers of colour and light. I also love working in charcoal, which is perfect for capturing mood and movement. My inspiration comes from the landscapes and coastline of Britain, as well as from the people and animals who live and work there.

My hope is that when you visit the gallery or take one of my paintings home, it connects with something personal to you - whether that’s a memory of a walk, a love of the outdoors, or simply a moment of calm.

Now in 2025 change is calling again, and we are in the process of relocating out of Chester city centre so we can offer you an even better experience when you visit us - follow Our Big New Adventure.

alison bradley painting
alison and jon on snowdon miners path
alison bradley sketching
jon framing a picture
Alison and Jon

CV & Exhibitions

Full time professional artist 2004 onwards

 

Group Exhibitions

Albany Gallery, Cardiff 2014, 2019, 2024

Oriel Ynys Môn, Llangefni 2009

Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy 2006 & 2008

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog 2005 - 2015

Oriel Corwen 2005-6

 

Solo Exhibitions

Oriel Llanteglos, Llanteg, June 2022

The Gallery Steventon, Abingdon 2008

Electric Mountain, Llanberis 2008

Plassey Gallery, Wrexham 2007

Venue Cymru, Llandudno 2007

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog 2007

 

Alison Bradley Gallery, Betws-y-Coed

March 2008 - July 2019

Regular exhibitions of new work

 

Alison Bradley Gallery, Chester

July 2016 - Current

Regular exhibitions of new work

 

Public Collections

"Snowdonia from the East"

Oil on canvas (2008)

In the collection of National Library of Wales

 

Television

"Inspired by Snowdonia", a history of artists in Snowdonia - BBC TV, 2015

“Weatherman Walking” S12 E2 - BBC TV, 2021

“Britain’s Novel Landscapes” S1 E3 - Channel 4 TV, 2021

 

Academic

Studied Textile Design at UMIST (Manchester) 1992-6