Michael James Chaplin (1943 - 2026) was one of Britain’s most renowned artists, working primarily in the media of Intaglio Printmaking, Watercolour and Oils.

Born on September 19 in Little Barford, Bedfordshire, England, he studied at Watford School of Art (National Diploma of Design) and Brighton School of Art (Postgraduate Qualification in Printmaking).

He knew from the age of 12 that he would devote his life to becoming a professional artist, teaching Art at St Albans Boy’s Grammar School, Maidstone College of Art, and as Senior Art Lecturer at Kingston Polytechnic to support the earlier stages of his career. He continued to teach throughout his life, running courses throughout the UK and internationally.

In 1971, at the age of 28, he was elected as an Associate of the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers, becoming the youngest ever Associate of that institution. He later became a full member and then senior member, serving as Honorary Secretary and then Vice President in the 1980s.

In the 1990s he was elected as an Associate and subsequently a full member of the Royal Watercolour Society and also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Latterly he found national recognition in the UK as the resident art expert on television’s Watercolour Challenge, and in 2016 was honoured by being asked to be the official artist of Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday celebrations. He was recognised once again on the international stage when he was chosen as one of 12 artists to represent the Western World at the China Hunan Tourism Festival in 2018.

Widely regarded as the world’s foremost authority on J.M.W. Turner, he worked extensively with the Tate Britain Museum in London. In a rare distinction, he was bequeathed some of Turner’s original pigments by the Turner family, and his work was exhibited alongside Turner’s at Petworth House in the United Kingdom.

In addition to his artistic achievements, he was also a talented musician and served as lead guitarist for the internationally renowned rock band, The Zombies.

During his career he published numerous books on art and painting, later discovering a love of writing fiction. Inspired by a simple but heartfelt request from June—who, after receiving two years of beautiful love letters, asked him to “write me a novel”—he went on to write nine and a half novels before his passing. His work, including The Cradle Plank Affair and his earlier art books, is available on Amazon.

He married Gay, also an artist and teacher, in 1967 and they relocated to Maidstone, Kent, England. They raised their children Nick (born in 1977) and Briony (born in 1980) and as a family enjoyed an idyllic life. He was the most wonderful husband and father, bringing light, positivity and kindness into the lives of everyone he met. He could find joy in the smallest details of the world, while his natural gregariousness and charm always shone through. His pride and love for those in his orbit was unwavering.

After the loss of Gay, he relocated to Savannah, Georgia, and was fortunate to find joy and peace once again with June, who supported him with unshakeable love and courage until the end. Together they lived life to the full and were the epitome of devotion and happiness, universally adored by all who knew them.

Life in Savannah also brought deep friendships which he held so dearly, including his membership in the Men of Bacon, who met every Friday in Forsyth Park. He was particularly known for his quick wit, always ready with a story, an anecdote, and even the definition and origin of any challenging word.

He was a man who spent a lifetime bringing beauty into the lives of others, and magic into every room he entered. Our lives are all enriched for having known him.

He is survived by his wife June; his children Nick and Briony; his sister Pauline; his grandchildren Amelia and Matthew; and his step-children Paige and Hamilton. He will be remembered always, and with immense love, as a wonderful husband, father, and friend.

A Celebration of Life is planned for mid-June.