Hugh Bryden

Hugh Bryden is a Scottish printmaker, painter, publisher and writer whose career spans more than four decades. After spending 30 years as an Art Teacher in Dumfries and Galloway, he dedicated himself full-time to his own creative practice, having continued to exhibit and produce work throughout his teaching career.

A regular exhibitor in national and international exhibitions, Hugh has also played an active role in Scotland's arts community through his involvement in the gallery sector in Dumfries. Since 2005, he has worked as an independent printmaker, publisher, writer and painter, developing a practice that bridges fine art, literature and book arts.

Printmaking remains at the heart of Hugh's work, particularly linocut and drypoint, alongside the creation of artist's books. Collaboration has been a defining feature of his career, working closely with writers, artists, musicians and craftspeople to create projects that combine visual art, poetry, performance and publishing.

In 1999 he co-founded Cacafuego Press with poet Tom Pow, before establishing Roncadora Press in 2005 to produce limited-edition and bespoke artist's books. His publications have received widespread recognition, including multiple shortlistings for the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award and the Michael Marks Award at the British Library. Roncadora Press won the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award in 2009, 2017 and 2021.

Alongside his printmaking practice, Hugh returned to painting during the 2020 lockdown. His intimate still life paintings celebrate everyday objects, flowers and fruit, finding quiet beauty in familiar surroundings through thoughtful composition and sensitive observation.