Honour and Hope

2007

Story Behind The Painting

One of Bradleys most recognisable dockers, 'Honour and Hope' tells us of all Terry’s visions for both himself and the men of Belfast that he so often paints. He wants this message to be true and project his own ideals and aspirations as well as what he wants from those he meets.

Honour has long been a key word in his life, along with Trust, Faith, Courage, Love and Hope. These words both inspire and direct his daily thoughts and actions and he writes them on his paintings to give them added strength and power.

This painting is influenced by the Russian propaganda posters of the 1920’s. A call to manhood and high ideals, when a man’s word was his bond and he stood tall and unshakable in his own beliefs of right and wrong.

About Terry Bradley

Born in Belfast in 1965, Terry Bradley grew up during The Troubles and found a form of escapism in art. He discovered how drawing calmed his nerves and he was able to lose himself in the complexities of observing people and then recreating them on paper. Bradley’s work often features strong characters who have lived hard lives and show the wounds they carry. Broken noses, scars and tattoos on the men and streaked make up and tear stains on the women, Bradley’s subjects show their vulnerabilities, yet their look remains defiant and challenging.

Terry’s willingness to discuss his mental health struggles and how he uses artwork as a form of therapy has attracted many to his work and created a community within his followers. The breakdown of barriers creates a sense of safety for many, giving them space to feel heard, while offering hope for the future and a reminder to ‘Never Give Up’, a message at the heart of Terry’s brand. This has developed from his personal mantra into a message that he has chosen to recreate onto a wristband that is available for free online and from both his Belfast and Bangor galleries. Featuring original art works, limited edition canvases, giclee prints and now a range of high end furniture pieces, Bradley’s two dedicated galleries in Ireland attract thousands of visitors a year who travel from all over the world to see his art in person. His striking pieces have developed a cult following with many adding his art to themselves permanently with stunning Bradley tattoos and there have been themed Bradley weddings and birthdays.

In 2023 Bradley launched the first Bradley Art Prize with entries from 14-23 year olds. The winners had the opportunity to exhibit their work in the Bradley Gallery as well as the European Union. In 2023 and again in 2024, Titanic Belfast, the world renowned visitor attraction which is located on the spot where the famous ship was designed, built and launched, asked Terry to create an exhibition as part of their summer customer experience. The exhibition included a full Bradley immersive experience.

Bradley is married with three children and paints and lives between Northern Ireland and Spain. 

For more info on Terry Bradley visit www.terrybradley.com