Alex Proud Interview
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Bearing the surname of Proud, it is an uncanny reference to Alex’s amassed achievements. As the founder of Proud, the transformation from antique dealer, car salesman to his business venture foraging acclaimed photographers has created one of UK’s exclusive establishment.
In 1998, Proud Galleries struck a creative chord with reputable photographers, highlighting the innovative work of Destroy – the Sex Pistols, The Rock ‘n Roll Years and Rebel Life – Bob Marley cementing its position as a prolific venue. Being in the centre of Camden the location hankered on Alex’s fondness for the area, “I have lived in this area for 15 years now and consider myself a local I guess! I adore Camden’s creativity and energy-the community, the inspiration, and its music heritage – my gallery is where the Clash worked and rehearsed for over 7 years!”
Although the launch of Proud may dwindle on some as being a simple and very straightforward concept, Alex’s story wagers on struggle, luck and passion, “It was a chance and life’s random nature! He exerts, “I wanted to run my own business, I liked art galleries and in the end photography landed on our lap though an old PA of mine having a famous photographer for a husband. He adds, “We did a show for him more as a favour and when it was a huge success we didn’t look back!”
Hungry to indulge in other pies, Proud has also become a credible music hole, aptly titled, At Proud, Alex explains, “The bar, music and gallery concept started a year ago, I have had for a decade now. I love entertaining and I am a perfectionist. I simply needed to find someone who shared my vision on this. It took a decade but I met Vince Power a couple of years back and it’s been a roller coaster ride since”. With heady Manchurian, Liam Gallagher already gracing the mic as well as exclusive performances by the Dirty Pretty Things, Amy Winehouse and Graham Coxon- can the names can any bigger? Alex retorts, “Of course and they will soon! Watch this space!”
With London already conquered on the Proud map, their expansion plans are underway-in the firing line are Brighton, Leeds, New York, Paris and Tokyo. But in the meantime the thought of relaxing, in which Alex describes as, “Coming home to my wife, the countryside, the economist (and) a hot bath….and snoozing on the sofa with my cat- NOT going out!” may well be his first plan of attack.