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The life and career of Mackenzie Thorpe
Now an internationally recognised artist, Mackenzie Thorpe has captured the hearts of many with his abstract depictions featuring animals and children. Hoping to ‘keep our eyes open to the wonderment of childhood’ through his art, Thorpe draws inspiration from a number of themes including; love and isolation, life and death, despair and hope, as well as paying homage to his own pride in Northern England's industrial heritage.
Mackenzie Thorpe’s Childhood, Education & Achievements
Thorpe was raised in Middlesbrough as one of seven children. His father worked as a labourer and his mother a nurse; Thorpe came from humble beginnings. Having struggled at school, Thorpe was working in a local shipyard by the age of 15. He had always shown a fond interest in art, using anything he could find to draw such as cigarette butts and his mother’s lipsticks and eventually in 1977 he successfully applied to study art at Cleveland College of Art in London. After graduating he moved to North Yorkshire where he became a full-time artist, opening the Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus Gallery.
Since then, Thorpe’s work has rightfully established himself as one of the most sought after and renowned contemporary British artists. In 2019, Thorpe celebrated 30 years as a professional artist with a world tour titled "From the Heart." That same year, he was appointed the official artist for the Tour de Yorkshire and unveiled a bronze sculpture, 'Waiting for Me Dad,' near the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge as a tribute to the local community.
In 2000, he was awarded an honorary Master of the Arts from Teesside University and won the best-selling published artist award from the Fine Art Trade Guild.
Mackenzie Thorpe’s Philanthropy
In addition to his notoriety for his paintings, Thorpe is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting causes related to disadvantaged children and loneliness. He serves as a patron for the North East Autism Society, and in 2019, the society named a new school "The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre" in his honour.
As a result of his artistic achievements and charity work, he received an honorary doctorate from Seisa University in 2019.
Mackenzie Thorpe’s Famous Clients
Thorpe’s images are as popular as ever, with fans such as JK Rowling, Tom Hardy and Queen Elizabeth II. The auction record for Thorpe’s artworks is currently at £9000 for ‘The Family (Kiss)’ featuring his iconic square sheep.
Thorpe’s iconic images and prestigious reputation can mean that his pieces are hard to come by and are often highly sought after. At PM Antiques and Collectables, we have a number of Mackenzie Thorpe originals and prints available to buy online:
Mackenzie Thorpe, 'I Saw Three Sheep', 1998 Original Pastel, Signed
Price -£5,000.00
Mackenzie Thorpe, 'Man And Dog', Original Pastel, Halcyon Gallery, Signed
Price -£3,000.00
Mackenzie Thorpe, 'We Are Family', Large Limited Edition Print 280/395, Signed
Price -£460.00
With Thorpe’s charming depictions of characters and animals along with his use of bold colours and lines, these pieces would make a great edition to any home! To shop the full collection visit MacKenzie Thorpe collection online.
