Born in 1951, James Parfitt is a British artist whose work reflects a longstanding interest in painting, printmaking, design and the history of art. He studied at the Heatherley School of Fine Art and St Martin’s School of Art, where he completed a BA in Fine Art, before continuing his studies at the Royal Academy Schools. He was subsequently awarded the David Murray Travelling Scholarship, enabling him to further his study of European art.

Parfitt’s work is rooted in close observation, with still life, interiors and landscape among his recurring subjects. His paintings combine a strong sense of composition with an evident sensitivity to colour, light and the character of everyday objects and surroundings. Alongside his own practice, he has also been involved in adult art education, notably at Malvern College of Further Education.

He has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and at the Mall Galleries with both the New English Art Club and the Royal Society of British Artists, as well as holding solo exhibitions. He is a member of the Chelsea Art Society, the Small Paintings Group, the Holy Trinity Arts and Crafts Guild and the London Sketch Club.