Sherston’s Portrait Exhibition

With Tea Smart

About 

This project came about as a result of a simple New Year's resolution. I wanted to challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone - simple. While I was tempted to do something daring, such as running a marathon or skydiving, I settled on something that truly frightened me: putting myself front and centre stage with my art. Yikes.

In truth, this has been something I've been eager to do for a while. My love for this village knows no boundaries, and I'm always looking for ways to honour what makes this little corner of the Cotswolds so special. While we have incredible history dating back to Saxon times and unique traditions, the reason it has always thrived is straightforward: it has always maintained a strong sense of community. There is no mystery to anyone living here that we have something special - our support and friendliness towards each other set us apart. With numerous small and successful businesses providing essential services to the village, there is also not a spare evening in the week when some club or society is not meeting up. Sharing our knowledge and coming together is what we excel at.

While it would have been incredibly ambitious, not to mention time-consuming, to photograph everyone who contributes their time to the village, I chose a small cross-section of people with whom I have personal connections over my time living here.

I would like to thank everyone who agreed to have their portrait taken and allowing me to put them in a position that can often be uncomfortable. I appreciate the level of trust they placed in me by following my direction and enduring my attempts at different ideas. I genuinely hope you enjoy the results of these photographs as much as I do.

Paul Gray

A lot of people know Paul as the friendly mechanic from Grays, opposite the church yard. Having grown up in the village himself, his dedication and service to the village has always been second to none!

Sue Harvey 

Our local Revd at the Holy Cross. I have known her for a long time, she is a friendly face recognised by many in the village, always bringing a positive influence and good at offering words of wisdom.

Martin Smith

Our local councillor Martin, I can’t rate him highly enough as someone who is so passionate about our little village - devoting endless hours to the parish council and Sustainable Sherston to name a few! Recently he was apart of a big effort to save our local Doctors Surgery with great success. Incredibly forward thinking and down to earth, we are lucky to have his enthusiasm pushing things forward.

Katie Skeffington 

An old school friend who - like me - has also found it very hard to leave our incredible little village! I was lucky enough to catch up with her a few weeks back as she was mid stage set up in the village hall, ready for this years Panto, that she skilfully directed! Katie is a keen member and organiser of the local drama group, who continue to put on awesome productions year after year. 

Adam Beaumont

Our latest legend of a vicar who has recently been promoted to Associate Archdeacon of Bristol and Malmesbury. I first met Adam during the pandemic in the summer of 2020, where he let me up the church tower to take pictures for my Sherston Calendar. We hit it off right away and I have enjoyed working with him over the years.

Caroline Dickenson

I never gave cricket any thought at all until this wonderful women two years ago set up a women’s softball cricket club in the village, and since then I have been completely hooked! Caroline absolutely knows how to strike a balance between a fun social activity and competitive game play. Her infectious laughter and positive energy brought together so many women in the village, especially those who would never consider joining any sports team, really proves testimony to the positive vibes that she brings.

Kirsty Strachan

Her love of creativity spirals out to all the kids in the village with incredibly inspiring projects that get everyone involved! Including a Christmas festival that see’s our village turn into a light up advent calendar! Kirsty brings the best bubbly positivity to any situation!

Mary Clements

I have been fortunate to have known Mary for a long time. Back in the day her efforts with Operation Christmas Child resulted in the British School Rooms being filled to the brim with shoe boxes were incredibly impressive! She continues to dedicate her time at the school rooms, offering spaces for support and chats to those who need it. Always there for a chat and a friend when you need someone.