Having grown up in an artistic household, Ed Williamson’s own artwork showed great promise early on, leading to his inclusion in a student exhibition at the Tate Gallery. His art was put on hold, however, when he signed a professional rugby contract at 18. Ed dedicated himself to his passion for rugby throughout his premiership career, playing for teams such as Newcastle Falcons, London Welsh, and Yorkshire Carnegie. When a serious injury in 2013 meant he had to step back from the game he loved, Ed turned back to painting. After some experimentation with style and content, Ed started a series that was based on his own experience of rugby – the contrasts between the mental and physical fortitude required of professional athletes, and the enjoyment that the spectators experience. Turning these influences on their heads, Ed created a series of works featuring ballet dancers in warrior helmets. Inspired by the idea of beauty and strength beneath a mask, Ed began developing the style he is now known for, putting his own surrealist twist on traditional Dutch Masters techniques to create fascinating portraits of high-fashion women in different types of masks. As Ed puts it, “I think women often typify that masked battle better than anyone.” (The Gloss)