ED WILLIAMSON

“From Premiership Rugby to Premiership Painter”

Coming from a family with strong artistic ties, Ed showed a talent for painting at a young age, having his A-level work displayed in The Tate Modern as part a celebration of young talent. Yet, when the opportunity to play Premiership Rugby, presented itself to him at the age of 18, it was too good of an opportunity to miss.

Following over a decade in the Premiership, Ed picked up a paintbrush again when a serious injury ruled him out for an entire season, and a renewed passion for painting was born.

Self-taught from then on, Ed took up an offer to finish his rugby career in France part-time so that he could dedicate more time to improving his skills and knowledge as an artist.

Since his retirement from rugby in 2017 Ed has developed a thriving career as a contemporary artist, creating his own vision of surrealism, fine art and contemporary culture.

Ed’s style of painting combines his sense of humour with his brilliant talent, with the aim of creating paintings that are not only beautiful but interesting and sometimes challenging.

Clients include:

Gareth Thomas CBE (rugby player, Welsh international, activist), Carole Vorderman MBE (TV presenter), Toby Flood (rugby player, English international), Geoff Parling (rugby player, English international, coach Melbourne Rebels).

A strong supporter of charities both on and off the field including his recent portrait of Brian O’Driscoll for the Dublin Lord Major’s Charity Ball in 2022.

Married to Beverley Williamson, Competition Law specialist, they now live in Dublin with their 4 children.

Following exhibitions in London, Paris, Monaco and New York, Ed’s new work will feature in upcoming exhibitions of contemporary artists at The Oriel Gallery, Dublin from April 2023.