Alwyn Crawshaw, the BBC and Channel 4 art presenter who inspired the Fast Show’s Johnny Nice Painter, has died aged 91. His family said he passed away peacefully at his Norfolk coast home on Monday, 10 November 2025, following an illness.
- Fast Facts:
- Age: 91. Died peacefully at home on 10 November 2025.
- Best known for TV art series: A Brush with Art, The Painting Challenge, Crawshaw Paints.
- Author of 20+ instructional books and videos; produced 28 books with his wife for HarperCollins.
- Founder and former president of the Society of Amateur Artists; longtime teacher and mentor.
- Survived by wife June, children Natalie, Donna and Clinton, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and twin sister Shirley.
The family released an emotional statement: “Alwyn died peacefully at his home on the Norfolk coast, after an illness, on Monday 10th November 2025, aged 91. Alwyn was a much-loved British artist, author and broadcaster, renowned for his passion for painting and his dedication to inspiring others through art.”
The Legacy
Alwyn Crawshaw built a rare crossover career as a practicing representational landscape painter, a teacher and a familiar television presence. His top achievements include:
- Television — Presenter of A Brush with Art, The Painting Challenge and Crawshaw Paints, programmes that introduced decades of viewers to accessible landscape painting.
- Publishing & Teaching — Author of more than 20 instructional books and videos and co-author of 28 HarperCollins titles with his wife June, many used by beginner and amateur painters.
- Community Leadership — Founder and former president of the Society of Amateur Artists, championing creativity and practical instruction for aspiring painters.
Born in Mirfield, Yorkshire in 1934, Crawshaw studied under Vincent Lines at Hastings School of Art (1949–51) and became known for his skill with acrylics and representational landscapes. He and his wife of more than 60 years often worked together — in 2017 more than 100 of their pieces were exhibited to mark their diamond wedding anniversary.
Social Proof & Tributes
Tributes have poured in from admirers, former students and viewers who praised Crawshaw’s warmth, generosity and clear teaching style. His gentle manner and dedication to nurturing amateur artists were repeatedly highlighted in the family statement and by those who learned from his books, videos and broadcasts.
A celebration of life is due to be held in January. The family asked for privacy while they make arrangements and thanked well-wishers for their support.
For many, Crawshaw will be remembered not only for the inspiration behind a much-loved Fast Show parody — Johnny Nice Painter — but for a lifelong commitment to making painting accessible, enjoyable and full of humour.
Image Referance: https://www.thesun.ie/tv/16234290/alwyn-crawshaw-artist-bbc-dead/