Bratby was born in London in 1928 and studied at the Royal College of Art. He was married to the painter, Jean Cooke, which was dissolved in 1977. Throughout the 50's Bratby regulary showed at the Beaux Arts Gallery. Bratby taught at the Carlisle College of Art and then the Royal College of Art between 1957-58. Bratby is probably best known as founder and preeminent member of 'The Kitchen Sink School', a significant Realist school during the 50's. Bratby represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1956 and gained the Guggenheim Award. He was elected RA in 1971. A retrospective of his work was held at the National Gallery, which holds his work. Bratby died in 1992. Inspired at the outset by Van Gogh, the influence held impact throughout the artist's life.