Details from work in progress

Drawn to the Boro is a large-scale portrait project sharing some of the migration stories that have shaped Middlesbrough - a town founded in 1830 that grew rapidly through industrial expansion, drawing workers from across the UK and beyond. Migration is woven into its identity. 

Ten residents were nominated by their communities - people who give generously and who quietly strengthen the lives of others. Each has shared their story with me. And each is now the subject of a portrait measuring approximately two metres by one metre. All ten sittings are now complete. The paintings are taking shape in my studio. 

The completed portraits will be exhibited in 2027, supported by Borderlands, the Creative People and Places programme for Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland, funded by Arts Council England.

I'll be sharing more from this project in each newsletter - the research, the paintings as they develop, and something of the stories that have stayed with me.