MARTIN CLUNES ART PROJECT
by
ABOUT MARTIN
Personal Life
Martin Clunes was born on 28 November 1961 in Wimbledon, London, and grew up in Croydon. He comes from a family with strong connections to the theatre: his father, Alec Clunes, was an actor and theatre manager, while his cousin Jeremy Brett became famous around the world for playing Sherlock Holmes. Martin also had an older sister, Amanda.
His father died from lung cancer when Martin was only eight, an experience that had a deep effect on his childhood.
Education and Early Influences
Martin attended Royal Russell School in Croydon and later trained at the Arts Educational Schools in London. Boarding school was not always easy for him: he was often homesick and found the discipline difficult. One of the things he enjoyed most was looking after the school animals.
That early love for animals stayed with him and became an important part of both his personal life and, many years later, his documentary work.
Family Life
In 1997, Martin married television producer Philippa Braithwaite, who has also worked with him on many productions. Their daughter, Emily, was born in 1999 and later chose to work with horses.
The family lives in the Dorset countryside, surrounded by animals and nature. Martin has often spoken about his love for rural life and his preference for a simple life away from the entertainment world.
Honours & Titles
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Appointed in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to drama, charity, and the community in Dorset.
Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset (DL)
Appointed June 2019.
President of the British Horse Society
Since June 2011.
Honorary Doctorate of Arts
Awarded by Bournemouth University in recognition of his contributions to drama and the Dorset community.
Chancellor of Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Appointed 2024 as inaugural ceremonial head.
Animal Lover
Animals have always been an important part of Martin Clunes’ life. Over the years, many of them have shared his home on the family farm in Dorset, but some have become particularly special.
His Jack Russell, Jim, was much more than a family dog. Martin often called him his “right-hand man.” Jim went everywhere with him and even appeared alongside him in the ITV drama Arthur & George. When Jim died, Martin made him a small coffin filled with squeaky tennis balls — a simple and touching detail that shows how much he loved him.
His Clydesdale horses have also been an important part of his life, especially Bruce and Ronnie, who became familiar to viewers through programmes and interviews about his country life, and more recently Patrick, a newer member of the family.
The animals on the farm may change over the years, but dogs, horses, cows, cats and hens have always been part of Martin’s world. His love for animals remains one of the most constant parts of his life.
Books
-
The Funny Side of Nursing (Stirling Johnstone, with contributions by Martin Clunes, 1996)
A lighthearted collection of humorous hospital stories and nursing mishaps, published in support of Comic Relief. With Clunes lending his name to promote laughter for a good cause, this short but charming volume demonstrates his playful side and commitment to charity.
-
A Dog’s Life (2009)
A heartfelt memoir celebrating Martin’s lifelong bond with dogs. Blending personal stories — including moving recollections of his beloved Jack Russell, Jim — with broader reflections on the human‑animal connection, the book has been praised as “fond, funny and endearing.”
-
Martin Clunes: The Biography (2010) — Stafford Hildred & Tim Ewbank
The official biography charting Martin’s life from his theatrical family roots and formative years to his breakthrough with Men Behaving Badly and enduring television success. It offers insight into his family life, countryside passions, and charitable commitments, painting an intimate portrait of the actor beyond the screen.
-
Meetings with Remarkable Animals (2024)
A collection of true life stories about extraordinary creatures — from therapy horses and rescue dogs to war pigeons — drawn from Martin’s own encounters and travels. The book reflects his passion for animal welfare and includes the story of adopting his guide‑dog‑turned‑companion, Laura. Described by critics as “heartwarming, inspiring, and always fascinating.”
-
Training John and Murray (forthcoming April 2026)
Insight into life with his two Jack Russell puppies, exploring the joys and challenges of animal companionship.
