Thomas Coates

Thomas John Coates (5 May 1941 – 30 July 2023) was a British artist known for his work in oil painting.

Early life and education Coates was born in Birmingham during World War II, shortly before his twin sister, Angela. His father, Thomas, was an Irish toolmaker, and his mother, Eileen, a secretary. He had a challenging childhood, often caring for his father due to his parents' absence. His early interest in drawing led him to enroll at Bournville School of Art in 1956, and later, he received a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy Schools.

Career In the early 1960s, Coates began exhibiting his work at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, selling his first painting for just five pounds.

Coates died on 20 July 2023, at the age of 82.