Richmond’s paintings are rooted in the belief that stories can reveal truths more gently than explanations. Her animals wear stylised armour not as symbols of conflict, but of quiet resilience—representing both the vulnerability of the natural world and the instinct to protect what is precious. Each composition is intended to reward close attention, inviting viewers to discover layers of narrative and meaning over time.
Born and raised in the Stroud Valleys of Gloucestershire, Richmond now lives and works in the Wiltshire village of Ramsbury. Although early artistic promise gave way to a more conventional career, she returned to creative practice in adulthood through animal studies in fired ceramics before establishing herself as a commercial sculptor. The recession of 2009 brought that chapter to an end, but also created the opportunity to return to painting.
Years of experimentation eventually led to the development of Otherwurlde—an evolving body of work that combines technical realism with allegory, folklore and the enduring symbolism of the animal kingdom. Today, her paintings are held in private collections throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, with each new work continuing to expand the narrative world at the heart of her practice.
To learn more about Ann Richmond’s artistic process, materials and working methods, please visit the comprehensive FAQ available HERE.
Gary Hyland is a writer, publisher and creative director whose work shapes every aspect of Otherwurlde Studio. Working alongside painter Ann Richmond, he develops the narratives, collections and publishing strategy that unite the studio’s work into a coherent and enduring body of art.
For Hyland, every collection begins with an idea rather than an image. Whether developing the allegorical world of Otherwurlde, the understated wildlife studies of The Wylde Ones, or the characterful portraits of Fauna, his role is to establish the narrative framework in which each piece finds its place.
Before co-founding Otherwurlde Studio, Hyland worked across publishing, entrepreneurship and video game design, experiences that continue to inform his approach to visual storytelling. Rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake, he is interested in building collections with lasting coherence—work that can evolve over decades while remaining faithful to a clear artistic vision.
Although he embraces new technologies where they genuinely serve the creative process, Hyland believes that craftsmanship, authorship and thoughtful curation remain the foundations of enduring artistic value. His role within the studio extends beyond writing and publishing to include collection development, print production, brand stewardship and the long-term stewardship of the studio’s intellectual property.
Believing that collectors increasingly value authenticity as much as the finished artwork, Hyland has also begun documenting the life and work of Otherwurlde Studio through film. Rather than presenting only completed paintings, these films offer an honest record of the conversations, decisions, setbacks and craftsmanship that shape an independent fine-art practice.
Together, the paintings, stories, films and limited editions form an evolving record of the studio’s work—reflecting not only what was created, but why it was created and the values that shaped it. As an independent studio, Hyland and Richmond continue to believe that meaningful relationships with collectors and the patient cultivation of a distinctive body of work offer a stronger foundation than chasing passing fashions.
