Neil Bromley: Heraldic Artist, Calligrapher, and Medieval Illuminator
Neil Bromley studied art at college for six years, finally graduating with H.N.D. in Calligraphy and Heraldry at Reigate School of Art in 1995. Whilst studying at Reigate he was awarded two bursaries from the Worshipful Company of Scriveners and the Company of Painters/Stainers.
Neil returned to Devon, his home county, and established himself in Exeter as an Heraldic Artist and Illuminator. He was given his first commissions from Exeter City Council, producing Illuminated Address’, and was elected a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, where he still continues to exhibit work.
Neil was elected a Fellow of the Society of Heraldic Arts in 2018
Neils work includes the painting of family crests, shields and full coats of arms, freedom scrolls, Baronial Assignations, and Grants of Arms, Heraldic work for reproduction, Calligraphic work, and the reproduction of medieval manuscript pages.He has also been working with William Edwards Pottery on a china dinner service for a private client.
All the work is produced on vellum (Calf Skin) and ranges from finest manuscript vellum to natural vellum.He uses 23.5K gold leaf and gesso where possible as well as shell Gold, along with other medieval techniques. The durable quality of his materials ensures that the documents will last for a long time and are finished to the best possible standard.
Framing can also be arranged and is overseen by Neil to enhance the work. All framing is archival and museum finished.
Exhibitions:
Exhibitions have included Art in Action at ‘Waterperry House’, 1996, and again 2003, Words, Words, Words’ and ‘Meet Your Maker!’ at the Riverside Mill, a solo exhibition in at Exeter City Museum, Cathedral, and Glastonbury Abbey.
Neil attended the 2006 Genealogical and Heraldic congress in St. Andrews (Scotland), and was awarded the Barden prize for outstanding work whilst there.
Neil completed a 5 week exhibition of coins and heraldic artwork at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in May 2018.
In 2022, Neil attended the 35th Heraldic Congress in Cambridge along side other heraldic artists Quentin Peacock and Tania Crossingham.
His work is now seen by many throughout the world.