About Jack Vettriano
Jack Vettriano was born in Fife, Scotland in 1951. He left school at 16 to work as an engineer in the Scottish coalfields, and began painting at 21. Originally known as Jack Hoggan, he later adopted the name Vettriano — in tribute to his grandfather, Signor Vettraino.
His breakthrough came in his mid-thirties when two of his paintings were accepted by the Royal Scottish Academy summer show in 1988 — both sold on the first day. The following summer, his work found success at the Royal Academy in London.
Vettriano’s paintings evoke a nostalgic world never personally experienced yet deeply familiar, like a scene from classic cinema. He captured edgy romance, where men are tougher, women more elusive, and each moment feels like part of a glamorous drama. His bold, cinematic use of colour made his work instantly recognisable.
Despite being often overlooked by the traditional art world, Vettriano was beloved by the public. He remained a deeply private and humble man, endlessly grateful for the support and admiration of collectors and fans worldwide.
His paintings of iconic images are found worldwide. Original works are highly sought after, and many limited edition prints sold out on release. With a style compared to Hopper and Sargent, Vettriano moved to the forefront of contemporary art. His popularity stems not only from his technical skill but also from his rare gifts for humour and realism.
Over the years, Vettriano became one of the most commercially successful contemporary artists. In 2004, The Singing Butler sold at auction for £744,800 — then a world record for a Scottish painting. He received an OBE for charitable work and services to art, and an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews.
Tragically, Jack Vettriano passed away on 1 March 2025, aged 73, at his apartment in Nice, France. He had long loved Nice, and many of his most evocative paintings were inspired by the light, mood, and scenery of the Riviera — a place that profoundly influenced his work.
About Simply Jack Vettriano
Simply Jack Vettriano began over 20 years ago as a passionate hobby collecting his works. It has since grown into the world’s largest seller of secondary market Limited Editions, Artist's Proofs, and Studio Proofs. What began as personal appreciation has developed into a business built on expertise, care, and a deep understanding of his art.
Our collection spans Vettriano’s career — from early works to rare studio pieces and artists’ proofs. Each item is carefully sourced, reflecting both the technical skill and evocative storytelling that made Vettriano’s work so beloved worldwide.
We continually update our collection with signed and unsigned prints, limited editions, books, and other memorabilia, ensuring collectors and enthusiasts can access the most comprehensive selection available. If you’re looking for something specific and don’t see it on the site, please contact us — we will endeavour to locate it for you.