Pro Arte

Pro Arte Brushes: Made in England Since 1973

For over half a century, Pro Arte has been dedicated to crafting high quality brushes that inspire artists.

Founded by Roy Thompson, a passionate artist and brushmaking visionary, Pro Arte began as a small operation sourcing brushes from trusted local makers. Today, Pro Arte’s range of handcrafted brushes is trusted by professional and beginner artists alike for their quality and precision.

Roy Thompson’s journey began with a love for the connection between brush, paint, and canvas. After an early career at Winsor & Newton, he set out to specialise in brushmaking, guided by a belief that quality, service, and affordability would set his brand apart.

By the early 1980s, his son Peter had joined him, bringing Pro Arte’s dream of in-house manufacturing to fruition. With a team of skilled artisans, Pro Arte began producing their own brushes, including their acclaimed Sable and Squirrel brushes, using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.

Pro Arte’s pioneering spirit led to the development of Prolene. This was one of the first synthetic brushes to compete with traditional natural hair brushes. Working closely with his father, Peter helped to perfect Prolene’s unique blends and high quality synthetic filaments. The result was a brush that set new standards in durability, affordability, and performance. Prolene remains an ideal choice for artists seeking quality without the use of animal hair.

Now run by Peter and his son Johnny, Pro Arte remains a family business with a focus on promoting from within and nurturing talent.