Sofia Barton’s work is a vibrant act of reclamation and joy. Through rigorous research into the Tyne and Wear Archives and a curated collection of oral histories, Barton unearths the “Trailblazers" or the unsung icons who shaped the North East’s social, political and scientific soul.
By blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary storytelling, Barton’s visual identity, which is deeply rooted in her Punjabi heritage, celebrates an intersectional, anti-fascist and anti-racist history. Through a palette of radiant, defiant colours, she honours those who fought for a more equitable world.
Ellen Wilkinson was a British Labour Party politician who served as Minister for Education from July 1945 until her death. Earlier in her career, as the MP for Jarrow, she became a national figure when she played a prominent role in the 1936 Jarrow March of the town's unemployed to London to petition for the right to work.
Signed by the artist A3 Print, unframed
A Space for Community - In the spirit of the "Trailblazers" project, the ‘community plinth’ features unique artworks for sale from local community and charitable organisations connected to both Baltic and Nexus. This initiative provides a vital platform for marginalised voices, including disabled and neurodiverse artists, to share their own heritage and creativity. By highlighting these often-overlooked perspectives, the space becomes a true celebration of the North East’s diverse social fabric, ensuring that joy and artistic expression are accessible to all.
