Biography

Alex Proud founded Proud Galleries after an early career that witnessed incarnations as an antiques dealer; an oriental gallery owner (opened Proud Oriental in 1994 at 24); a car salesman (selling bullet proof Rolls Royce cars to the Russian mafia in 1995); and an Internet pioneer (setting up the one of the first internet auctions in the world in 1996).

He established Proud Galleries in 1998, and a host of acclaimed shows such as Destroy – the Sex Pistols, The Rock ‘n Roll Years (with the National Portrait Galleries) and Rebel Life – Bob Marley launched the reputation of Proud Galleries on an international level.

Subsequent shows including Rankin and Bailey Down Under, Rankin’s Nudes project, James Dean – the Iconic Images of Phil Stern, Underexposed, True Football, Robbie Williams and Blood & Glitter have cemented the position of Proud Galleries as the most popular private photographic galleries in Europe. Alex is a leading commentator on photographic and media issues, sitting on the panels of various photographic bodies including the Nikon Press Awards, Observer Hodge Awards.

2001 saw the launch of Proud Camden,where groundbreaking shows including Hip Hop Immortals and The Libertines achieved headline coverage and attracted over 2000 paying visitors every week - making it more successful than many major lottery funded galleries. The current galleries now welcome an average of 10,000 visitors per show.

In 2005 Sony Ericsson signed a six figure deal with Proud Galleries to become title sponsor on all major shows, enabling both galleries to be opened to the public for free. In June 2005, the Camden gallery relocated to Stables Market, Camden Lock. With 3000 sq ft over 2 floors, and an additional outside space of 5000 ft the gallery is currently the largest private photographic gallery in the UK.

In 2006, Proud realised a 10-year vision by opening At Proud – a 500-capacity bar and music venue adjacent to the Proud Galleries. A lover of entertaining, Proud met music mogul Vince Power a couple of years ago and the two men embarked on creating their shared vision of creating a funky ICA.

At Proud has experienced a meteoritic rise to fame – with exclusive gigs by acts such as Amy Winehouse, Dirty Pretty Things, Graham Coxon and The Kooks establishing the venue as one of London’s leading music and bar venues.

Alex is currently working on a series for BBC 2 with his wife - GMTV, UK Gold and BBC 2 TV presenter and author – Danielle Proud.

Why did you fall in love with photography?

I cant remember a time I was not in love, every single day I open the newspaper or magazines and am confronted with amazing photography from around the world….how can you not be in love?

Can anyone become a good photographer?

Yes, everything that is personal to you is important and "good".

What is more important, creativity or technique?

Creativity every day of the week.

Is there such a thing as a perfect picture?

No

What one piece of advice would you give a budding photographer?

Don’t listen to boring old farts like me, go enjoy!