Rich Simmons, a 25-year-old street and stencil artist, is part of a new wave of artists emerging from the UK. Simmons uses an intricately detailed stencil style to convey his irreverent sense of humour and unique perspective on the world.

Simmons became a global name after creating a piece of work depicting Prince William and Kate Middleton as Sid and Nancy from the Sex Pistols. This 'Future ***King' piece created a media stir on every continent and made people aware of the Simmons' style of work and ability to create iconic imagery.

Simmons also founded an art therapy movement, Art Is The Cure, in early 2008 to help other people find a cure to problems in a similar way that the artist himself did. The movement has become a global success and is being pushed into the mainstream through fashion, street art and public appearances, inspiring people the world over.

A goal to inspire and a twisted sense of humour have culminated in an exciting artist who is creating work that clearly portrays this personal struggle. His work demonstrates his bold willingness to poke fun at society, twist perceptions and bring out the dark side of peoples imaginations.

Rich Simmons has already had a sell out solo show at Gallery Rouge in St Albans in 2010 and since signing to The Opera Gallery London, went on to sell five pieces in the first two weeks of exhibiting.

Feature in The Market magazine, June 2011

Among other young street artists who are following the masters Banksy and Basquiat, it is worth mentioning the 25-year-old British graffiti and stencil artist, Rich Simmons. He is a very gifted artist who brought public attention to his art when he portrayed Prince William and his then bride to be Kate Middleton, as the punks Side Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, in the controversial Future ***King artwork. Not only is he very talented as an artist, he is also exceptionally witty and impertinent. His humorous work shows the obvious heritage left by Banksy on the London street art scene. He will be featured in a street art show in London from 16th June this summer. The show will bring together young artists like Rich Simmons and established artists such as, Nick Walker, Logan Hicks and Crash in a colourful and exciting exhibition.

Our advice is that it is often better to buy an original piece by a young and promising artist, represented by an established and well-respected art gallery that will look after them and follow their career. At the moment, this is what we advise clients and collectors who show interest in street art: 'Buy young, buy new, buy promising'. For example, the aforementioned Rich Simmons has just finished a series on the Royal Family, with a cheeky Queen on the throne; it is young and fresh, but also affordable and experts expect to see its value multiplied by five to ten times in the next couple of years. Art Professionals are following Rich Simmons's progress closely. It is a strong possibility that buying his work now could turn out to be a great investment.