Barry Hilton was born in Manchester in 1941. Whilst having no formal training, he moved to Cornwall in 1979 where the experience of working alongside a group of extremely active artists helped in the development of his abilities.

His love of nostalgia which he captures in his painting of gas light streets and marine scenes are much sought after. However, Barry refuses to be stereotyped and has recently has considerable success with beach scenes and still life painted in a very modern style.