Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds
Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds exhibition
Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds is a collaboration between St Oswald’s Hospice and Artist, Leanne Pearce.
Working with bereaved and pre-bereaved families who have accessed the hospice’s bereavement support and/or other care services, Leanne has created 12 poignant portraits.
The collection celebrates the lives of loved ones, provides a positive, creative focus for grieving or pre-bereaved families, and supports them in their ‘continuing bonds’ process.
We also hope to encourage more open conversations about death, dying and grief while challenging some of the perceptions around ‘hospice care’.
After initially meeting with families in Autumn 2023 – where many helped paint the background of their portrait canvas – Leanne has created the emotive artworks in her home studio in Newcastle.
A public exhibition of the 12 original artworks took place at Newcastle Civic Centre, 10th – 17th May, 2024, during Dying Matters Week.
After the exhibition, the portraits were gifted to the families.
Families have been offered support by St Oswald’s Hospice’s Bereavement Team throughout.
Watch our video about Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds…
About the families…
The families come from a range of backgrounds, genders, religions, ages and sexualities. They are pre-bereaved, recently bereaved and long-term bereaved. Their experiences and stories are all unique and they show us that grief is a “rollercoaster” and “always there”.
The Hospice and Leanne wish to thank the families who took part in this unique and emotional project. They have been so open, honest and generous with their experiences and stories.
Continuing Bonds with Craig
Krista, originally from Finland, met Craig in 2006. They bonded over their love of art and pop culture.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Alan
Air Cadet Eleanor met her husband-to-be when he performed in the Tyneside Scottish Pipe Band.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Alwyn
Alwyn was the much-loved mum to Michael, Melanie and Amy and sister to Rosamond and Pam.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Steven
Steven was a single dad living in Spain with his 2 children when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Eve
Eve was a kind and bubbly 8-year-old when, one day, she collapsed at home.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Nialle
Nialle, who has cerebral palsy and learning difficulties, is honouring his dad.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Gordon
Wendy loved spending time with her fun-loving brother and his partner, Allan.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Eddie
Yasmin met Eddie at a spiritual retreat. They married and had two daughters.
Read moreContinuing Bonds with Donna
Donna, 27, was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease as a teenager.
Read moreMake a donation to St Oswald’s Hospice
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