Joseph O’ Reilly was born in Huddersfield where he studied at the Batley School of Art & Design (1976 –77), going on to Sheffield Polytechnic of Art and Design (1977- 80) and graduating with a first class honours degree in Fine Art.

Joseph’s work has featured in many group and solo shows in his native north of England – Sheffield, Huddersfield and Manchester, but also in London at the Piccadilly Gallery.

Working in oils and acrylics O’Reilly has specialised in exquisite still life painting for 25 years. He is fascinated by what is beyond the outward appearance of the objects in a still life, where there is often a deeper significance – a symbolism of inference that may be of a philosophical, intellectual religious or purely personal nature. O’ Reilly has a wonderful feeling for light and the play of light and shadows to create a particular mood.

His work appears in collections such as: Boston University, Sheffield Art Gallery, Calderdale Museum & Art Gallery, Kirklees Museum and Art Gallery and The Duke of Devonshire’s private collection along with many others.