You might say that decorating is in the blood with regards to Stephen Cox and "The House Painters".

He first started decorating when he was a child assisting his father (where he also first developed his love of gardening - and he is still a very keen gardener). He later honed his skills by taking a four years honours degree in Fine Art at the University of Reading. This also included the History of Art and Achitecture as a subsidiary. Many skills were garnered here in the practicalities and technicalities of various materials and also an appreciation of historical styles, conservation and design. This was reinforced over the years working on a wide range of house periods and styles.

He spent several years as a professional artist (paintig and sculpture, having one man exhibitions all over the U.K.) and this further strengthened his sense of design and colour and texture appreciation.

His first decorating job came from the then head of the Italian department at the University of Reading many years ago- they had bought one of his paintings for their lounge and then found that the room needed decorating- and so he did it! The rest they say is history.

He prefers to work alone but will sometimes take on a young assistant - who will work directly with him on site. He enjoys communicating and teaching his many skills to others.

He is often asked back by clients to undertake new works on their home. He is pleased and honoured to be able to say that many of his clients have now become some of his best friends over the years. He is able to offer new clients a wide range of references from past clients. The Testimonials page on this wesbite is a small indication of the high esteem in which he is held by his clients.

But The House Painters have even carried out specialist and unique projects further afield, for example:

16th. century manor house- Devereux Court in Herefordshire; 

restaurant full re-dec and re-design in Reading; 

wine bar in Aldershot; - including total redecoration and architectural drawings and conversion from a car showroom.               

a luxury penthouse suite in Hampstead;                                            

an apartment in Cadogan Square London;                                         

a traditional old cottage in Petersfield;                                               

an 18th.century house by The Circus and Royal Crescent in Bath.

and an ancient farmhouse and barn conversion at Buckland in Devon

He has also created designs and supervised conversions for: Snooker Hall; Flats; Shops; Offices.

The House Painters have also successfully completed works in:     Reading,  Woodley,  Caversham,  Cane End,  Theale,  Winnersh, Wokingham,  Basingstoke,  9 Mile Ride,  Aborfield,  Shepherds Hill, Shinfield,  Pangbourne,  Windsor,  Hamsptead-Norreys;  Woodcote; Wallingford;  Taplow,  and Henley-on-Thames.

Many clients return to him time and time again for new works- one client for example (Mark Wallbank)  first commissioned works from him in 1980 and has been coming back to Stephen for his professional decorating services on a regular bases ever since!