Basic Information
| Full Name | Celie Byrne |
|---|---|
| Profession | visual artist |
| Specialty | portrait painting |
| Education | MFA, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design |
| Notable Exhibition | BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery, London |
| Recent Project | Alhambra Theatre mural |
| Parents | John Byrne, Alice Simpson |
| Half Siblings | Honor Byrne, Xavier Byrnes |
| Residence | Renfrewshire, Scotland |
Early Life and Education
Celie Byrne earned her Master of Fine Art from Duncan Jordanstone College of Art & Design before age 30. She grew up in Renfrewshire and began her professional practice in community arts by her mid‑20s.
Artistic Career and Exhibitions
Celie specializes in portrait painting, murals, installations and art journalism. She exhibited in the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London and contributed to collaborative installations across Scotland.
| Project/Exhibition | Description | Year |
|---|---|---|
| BP Portrait Award | Portrait work displayed at the National Portrait Gallery, London | Ongoing |
| Studio Faire Residency | Artist residency in France to develop new projects | 2020 |
| Alhambra Theatre Mural | Mural for the theatre’s 100th anniversary in Dunfermline | 2022 |
| Occupied Thoughts, Occupied Space | Collaborative installation at Dunoon Burgh Hall | 2021 |
| Art Journalism | Articles on art therapy and exhibitions in Art Mag UK and East Fife Mail | Ongoing |
Family Background
Celie is the daughter of John Byrne (1940–2023), a celebrated Scottish playwright and artist, and Alice Simpson. Her half‑siblings, Honor Byrne and Xavier Byrnes, were born to John Byrne and actress Tilda Swinton, an Academy Award–winning performer.
| Name | Relation | Profession | Notable Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Byrne | Father | Playwright & Artist | 1940–2023 |
| Alice Simpson | Mother | Private life | — |
| Tilda Swinton | Stepmother | Actress & Producer | Born 1960 |
| Honor Byrne | Half‑sister | Private life | — |
| Xavier Byrnes | Half‑brother | Private life | — |
Net Worth Estimates
Celie Byrne’s net worth remains private, reflecting typical artist income variability from sales and commissions. John Byrne’s prolific career suggests substantial earnings, while Tilda Swinton’s film success places her net worth in the millions.
Latest News
Celie Byrne continues to develop community art projects and maintain an online presence on Pinterest and YouTube as of July 2025. The art world commemorated her father’s passing in December 2023, marking the end of his influential career.
FAQ
Who is Celie Byrne?
Celie Byrne is a Scottish visual artist specializing in portraiture, murals, installations and art journalism.
What notable exhibitions has she featured in?
She has exhibited in the BP Portrait Award at London’s National Portrait Gallery and presented murals in Dunfermline and Dunoon.
Who are her immediate family members?
Her parents are John Byrne and Alice Simpson; her half‑siblings are Honor Byrne and Xavier Byrnes, and her stepmother is Tilda Swinton.
When did John Byrne pass away?
John Byrne passed away in December 2023 at age 83.
What artist residencies has Celie completed?
She completed a residency at Studio Faire in France in 2020.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://celiebyrne.wordpress.com/about/ | Celie Byrne’s official website with her biography, education, and career overview. |
| https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/dec/01/john-byrne-obituary | The Guardian obituary for John Byrne, detailing his life, career, and passing in December 2023. |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Byrne_%28playwright%29 | Wikipedia entry on John Byrne (playwright), covering his works like The Slab Boys and Tutti Frutti. |
| https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Celie-Byrne/4E7DC5260981AA1D | MutualArt profile showing auction records and sale prices for artworks by Celie Byrne. |
| https://studiofaire.fr/celie-byrne-is-coming/ | Studio Faire residency announcement describing Celie Byrne’s 2020 artist residency in France. |
| https://www.famechain.com/family-tree/24313/celie-byrne | FameChain family‑tree entry for Celie Byrne, listing her relationships to John Byrne and Tilda Swinton’s children. |
| https://uk.pinterest.com/celiebyrne/ | Celie Byrne’s Pinterest page showcasing her artwork, murals, and design inspirations. |
| https://www.youtube.com/user/celie65 | Celie Byrne’s YouTube channel featuring videos of her art process and projects. |
