Mackenzie Thorpe, born in 1956 in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, is a renowned British artist. In 2019, he marked 30 years of his artistic career with a global tour titled "From the Heart," which included a stop in the UK in July. That same year, he was appointed the official artist for the 2019 Tour de Yorkshire and was also named the "Welcome to Yorkshire Official Chelsea Flower Show artist." He unveiled a temporary public sculpture in his hometown, Middlesbrough, called "Waiting for me Dad," a bronze piece positioned near the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge, which he considers a tribute to the men and women who have contributed to the town's legacy.

The eldest of seven children, Thorpe initially worked in local shipyards. Encouraged by a friend, he pursued an art education at Cleveland College of Art and Design in 1977, where he thrived under the guidance of Tom Wall. He later earned a Fine Art BA from Byam Shaw College of Art in London, graduating in 1982. In 1989, he transitioned to a full-time art career, relocating from London to Richmond, North Yorkshire, where he opened the Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus gallery. In recognition of his contributions to art, Teesside University awarded him an honorary Master of Arts degree in 2000, and he received an honorary professorship from Seisa University in Japan in 2019.

Thorpe’s art is characterized by the principle of "Art from the Heart," blending tenderness with passion in his abstract depictions of animals and children. His works range from accessible pieces like "square sheep" and duffle coat boys to more challenging pieces exploring themes of isolation and the human struggle. Much of his art draws inspiration from his childhood experiences in Middlesbrough. His auction record stands at £9,000 for "The Family (Kiss)," a 91 cm square oil on canvas, sold at Tennant’s auction house in Leyburn on March 4, 2009. By 2020, his original artworks were valued at around £10,000.

Thorpe has been married to his wife, Susan, since his twenties, and they have children and grandchildren. He continues to operate his art business with a dedicated team.

Mackenzie Thorpe

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My Dear Old Friend