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Alexander Proud

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Alexander 'Alex' Proud is a British entrepreneur. He was born in Brighton,[1] on 14 September 1969 and educated at Tonbridge School and then the University of York, where he studied Politics. In 1998 he founded Proud Gallery,[2] in London, which has since grown into the Proud Group.

In 2020, Proud was accused of bullying and inappropriate behaviour by five female staff members.[3]

Early career

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On leaving the University of York in 1991, Proud began an apprenticeship with a Japanese art dealer in London before opening his first gallery in 1994, selling rare Japanese prints.[citation needed]

Proud Group

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In the autumn of 1998, Proud founded the photography gallery Proud Central in London’s West End.[4] It has since re-branded as Proud Galleries.

Since its inception, the Proud Group has expanded into a number of areas including live music events, cabaret shows and restaurants.[5]

Proud Camden was located in the 200-year-old Grade II listed Horse Hospital [6] in the Stables Market in Camden, London. The venue has been restored, but it retains most of its original features. It closed in 2018.[7]

In 2018, Proud Embankment was opened under Waterloo Station.[8]

Other work

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With photographer Rankin, Proud co-founded the photographic art book publishers Vision On,[9] launching with Rankin’s books Nudes, Snog and CeleBritation, Audrey Hepburn by Bob Willoughby, and over 100 other titles.

Since 2013, Proud featured as a returning dealer on the Channel 4 series Four Rooms,[10] wherein entrepreneurs and businessmen and women are pitched collectibles from members of the public. Four Rooms won Best Daytime award at 2014's Royal Television Society awards.[11]

Proud served as a judge on Channel 4’s Picture This with photographer Martin Parr of the Magnum Photos photo agency and Brett Rogers of the Photographers' Gallery.[12]

Proud writes a weekly column for The Daily Telegraph[13] and has also written for the London Evening Standard[14] and The Sunday Times.[15]

Proud is active in politics engaging with development proposals local to the Camden community, serving as a vice chairman for Camden Town Unlimited, and also worked as an advisor to the former Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy.[16]

Proud has been invited to judge several photography competitions including the Nikon Press Awards and The Observer Hodge Awards.[17]

In 2008 Proud co-founded the Sony World Photography Award.[18]

Personal life

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Proud lives between East Sussex and London.[19]

References

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  1. ^ Ian Ray, 'The Argus', 20 September 2010, Proud to be a Brighton boy
  2. ^ Charlie Kenber, 'London Calling' 19 February 2014, What to do: Out and Proud
  3. ^ Pogrund, Sophie Wilkinson and Gabriel (8 March 2020). "Gallery owner Alex Proud 'followed intern upstairs and unzipped dress'". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Linda Scott, 'The Global Herald', 16 December 2010, Profile: Alex Proud – Nightclub & Gallery Owner". Archived from the original on 3 June 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
  5. ^ "Giles Addison, 'To Be Continued', Proud To Present...Alex Proud". Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  6. ^ Historic England (3 September 1981). "Horse Hospital (1258100)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  7. ^ Sheppard, Owen (12 February 2018). "I'm devastated by Proud Camden's closure after 17 years, says founder". Evening Standard. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Bar news | Alex Proud to open new venues after closing Camden club". 12 February 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  9. ^ 'Kentishtowner', Tuesday 5 November 2013, Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Alex Proud, gallerist and club owner
  10. ^ 'Channel 4', Four Rooms Dealer Profile
  11. ^ Kevin Ritchie, 'Real Screen', 19 March 2014, "Gogglebox," "Four Rooms" win RTS awards
  12. ^ Jemima Kiss, 'The Guardian', 21 December 2007, Inside some of Channel 4's new media projects
  13. ^ 'The Daily Telegraph', Alex Proud
  14. ^ Alex Proud, 'The London Evening Standard, 26 July 2011, Farewell to Amy Winehouse
  15. ^ Alex Proud, 'The Sunday Times', 16 March 2014, He's gotta have it
  16. ^ Jonathan Morrow, 'The Independent', 19 January 2008, The 5-minute Interview: Alex Proud
  17. ^ "Elena Leo, 'New Style Magazine', 7 March 2011, Alex Proud Profile". Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  18. ^ 'Sony World Photography Awards'
  19. ^ Alex Proud, 'The Daily Telegraph', 16 December 2013, Why I swapped London for the glorious sticks
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