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About me

Matthew “Ralph” Peters (b. 1992, London)

Raised in West Norwood and of Jamaican heritage, Matthew Peters is a classically trained fine artist whose practice is rooted in the discipline of sketching. Drawn to the reflective qualities of graphite—an allure tied to its shared elemental origins with diamond—he creates figurative works that merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary visual culture.

Holding formal qualifications in Fine Art, Design Technology, Digital Marketing, and a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, Peters balances technical precision with conceptual clarity. His Christian faith remains an important influence, often shaping the themes and sensibilities within his work.

Peters’ early fascination with Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the cultural commentary of Banksy helped form a practice that is both grounded in classical technique and responsive to contemporary social and political affairs. He also cites the influence of his aunt, Georgia Allen, whose work has appeared in The Sunday Times, British Vogue, Time Magazine, and for organisations including English Heritage.

With over two decades of professional experience, Peters has been commissioned internationally and represented by several established agents and agencies. His portfolio includes collaborations with Puffin Books, Women’s Aid, News of the World, the BBC, and numerous public figures, alongside a substantial body of private commissions.

In 2012, he founded Fenton & Ralph; in homage to his grandfather Fenton merged with his own middle name Ralph—originally a solo creative venture, now a portrait commission agency representing a carefully curated group of skilled portrait artists. While continuing to develop Fenton & Ralph as a platform for exceptional contemporary portrait commissions, Peters remains active in exhibiting and producing works for private collectors and public organisations.