About Simon Wrigley

2020

I was born in Edinburgh in 1954. Early photos show me scribbling and painting. It has always felt like magic. 

At school, I was happy in art classes – finding myself in a different way from in other subjects. And I am still learning what that means through daily practice, because I never went to Art College.

​Instead, I read English at Oxford University. Then I became an English teacher, adviser and, for the past ten years, directed a writing project. 

Education systems which rely on algorithms have a problem with the arts because they complicate things. The arts are ways of critiquing, celebrating and being in the world far beyond what we 'know'. They can strengthen the voice of the oppressed and thereby build a more responsible and reflective society. 'If we all think the same way, none of us probably thinks very much.' Pasi Sahlberg

Education - Have you ever wished you were better informed? (1982)

Now, in my retirement, I am lucky to have more time to paint and write and work for my local community.

I continue to campaign for the arts. I run a community writing group at the Higgins in Bedford. And over the last three years (2018-2021), from sales of paintings, I have raised £2000  for the Bedford's King's Arms Project, helping Bedford people out of homelessness. 

​If you are interested in helping me fund-raise by buying any of my paintings or drawings, please do contact me.

We have more ability to change the world than we think - especially if we work together.

swā     Adverb        1. so, in that way, like that        Hū meahtest þū swā libban?         How could you live like that?               Wiki dictionary