An extraordinarily poignant new exhibition by British-Canadian artist, Lucy Ash, sheds light on stories from LGBTQ+ history and highlights the ongoing struggle for equality, freedom and social justice.
Through painting, film and sound, Invisible Portraits brings together cultural figures whose lives reflect both visibility and erasure, such as the poet, Wilfred Owen, and filmmaker, Derek Jarman, alongside a series of deeply personal works developed by the artist, following the tragic homophobic assault on Ian Baynham in Trafalgar Square in 2009. Lucy’s work explores loss and forgotten figures in history as well as celebrating our contemporary inspirational role models.
Working in oil, mixed media and film, Lucy uses personal stories with themes of time and concealment to explore love, loss, death and injustice. Works in this exhibition created in Ian’s memory include a portrait in oil on linen of Ian’s sister Jen Baynham, and a 31-minute film addressing grief, violence, and the lasting impact of loss.
A portrait in oil on linen of Ian’s sister Jen Baynham by Lucy Ash
The Canada Gallery exhibition follows on from a collaboration between the artist and Southampton City Art Gallery between 2020–23, where Lucy Ash responded to works by LGBTQ+ artists held in Southampton’s collection with a series of portraits that respond to their lives and stories.
A community project, Portraits of Inspiration, which involved the creation of more than 500 hand-painted portraits of inspiring LGBTQ+ people celebrates role models, and reinforce the message that progress is a collective effort. It’s fun to spend time seeing who you you recognise and who you can know better – there’s a glossary nearby in case you are struggling.
Large scale work – Portraits of Inspiration by Lucy Ash
Hats off, or tuques off to Canada House and their cultural team who time and again show the humanity and values of Canada as a nation, its people and arts. Canada has just passed the Bill C-9, against hate propaganda and hate crime – highlighting that Pride should be about safety and celebration, not hate and fear.
In the month called Pride this indeed makes me proud.
Well worth a visit.
The Canada House Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Admission is free, and no booking is required.
Invisible Portraits by Lucy Ash runs until 3 October 2026
Trafalgar Square, Cockspur Street entrance, London SW1Y 5BJ
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- Lucy Ash
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- Gay Men’s Chorus at the Opening Event
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- Alan Greenhalgh & Rodney Birrell
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- Canada House
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- Invisible Portraits
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