Mark Hilsden Is An Artist, Alchemist and Storyteller

Discover the journey

Architectural portraits that tell your story, embellished with gold and hand-made colours from semi-precious stones and molehills. Grand portraits of the universe enhanced by the music of the angels. His wonderment and curiosity as he develops his path, through the mysteries of alchemy, which are brought together in his writings and books.

Visual biography for Dr Speed Andrews embellished with gold, red coral and Lapis Lazuli.

Visual biography - Dr Speed Andrews embellished with gold, red coral and Lapis Lazuli. Mark Hilsden

About The Founder of the Colour MAKER'S House: Mark Hilsden

Artists Biography: Mark Hilsden

Mark Hilsden (b. 1961, Dartford, UK) is a distinguished artist and author renowned for his evocative house portraits that capture the essence of people's narratives. Working primarily in pen and wash, Hilsden has created hundreds of commissioned architectural portraits with exquisite detail and emotional resonance, often incorporating luxurious elements such as pigments derived from semi-precious stones and gold leaf.

Hilsden's artistic vision has been showcased through several notable solo exhibitions, including "A Home in the Country" (2014), which uniquely integrated 36 detailed paintings with his book of the same name, exploring the life of Lucien Bonaparte, Napoleon's younger brother. This innovative blending of visual art and historical narrative continued in his subsequent exhibition chronicling the City of Worcester, which the city's mayor formally opened.

Now based in the historic border town of Appleby, Cumbria, Hilsden's artistic footprint extends throughout the region through his distinctive murals and illustrated visitor boards that enhance the local landscape. In 2023, he established the Colour Makers House, an innovative centre dedicated to the creation, retail, and education of eco-friendly earth and historic pigments. This specialised venue has positioned him as a leading authority in traditional colour-making techniques.

Hilsden regularly shares his expertise through workshops and lectures for prestigious organisations, including Historic England and commercial entities such as Crown Paints. His commitment to arts education is further demonstrated through his engaging demonstrations for local art societies and schools. His knowledge of historical pigment creation has attracted media attention, including features on BBC programming. While continuing to fulfil private commissions, Hilsden is developing his first inspirational novel, further expanding his creative repertoire.

The Artist'S CV

Mark Hilsden's Artistic Journey

1961 Born Dartford, Kent, currently resides in Cumbria
Education: Composition (Music) Goldsmiths College, University of London
Self-taught visual artist

1995 Architectural portrait artist across the UK and beyond - creating hundreds of house portraits across the UK for many private individuals, including presiding officers of financial institutions, founders of Blue-Chip companies, celebrities, leading QCs, and Government Ministers.

2019 Researching Paints and Pigments

2020 Developing New Art Form, the Visual Biography

2021 Artist chosen for Heritage Action Zone,, creating Axonometric Maps and illustrations of Appleby,

2023 Launched the Colour Makers House

2024 Introduced specialist pigment workshops

Selected Solo Exhibitions

2018 Passing Through - Cherry Row Gallery, Cumbria

2016 Following the Path - County Hall, Worcester

2015 Just Imagine - Guildhall, Worcester, Worcestershire

2014 Home in the Country - Number 8, Pershore, Worcestershire

Selected Group Shows

2022 Annual Art Exhibition, Warcop, Cumbria

2019 Annual Art Exhibition, Warcop, Cumbria

2016 Haven, Worcester Cathedral, Worcester

2015 Rose and Crown, Severn Stoke, Worcestershire

2015 Narrative, Crowngate, Worcestershire

Tutoring, Workshops and Talks

2022 Paint and Pigment Making talks and demos, art clubs, inc Natural England, Keswick Art Society and Appleby Grammar School

2021 Paint and Pigment making Workshops, Cumbria

2019 Workshops Pen & Ink, Acrylic and Pigments, Cumbria

2018 Teaching Acrylics and Pen and Ink, Cumbria

Selected Collections and Public Displays

Public Collections: Appleby Town Council

Commercial Collections: Langar Hall, Birtsmorton Hall, Church of Scientology

Selected Private Collections: Rt Hon Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, Rt Hon Rory Stewart OBE, Nicholas Wheeler OBE

Over 600 commissioned artworks in numerous private collections held by various entrepreneurs and celebrities in the UK, USA, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia