Full Circle: The Art of Ron Lapworth

Curated and produced the first public exhibition of artist Ron Lapworth’s work, creating a space where art, memory and community could be experienced together.

Curator & Producer • Complete • 2024

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Full Circle began with a chance conversation.

During a visit to an exhibition in Peterlee, I was introduced to Ron Lapworth, an artist who had painted throughout his life but had never exhibited his work publicly. Recognising both the quality of the paintings and the significance of Ron’s story, I proposed developing his first exhibition.

Working in partnership with No More Nowt, Building Culture and Ron’s family, I curated a retrospective spanning decades of his life, transforming an empty retail unit into a welcoming public gallery. Alongside curating the exhibition, I developed its visual identity, designed promotional material, coordinated production, wrote interpretive text and shaped the visitor experience.

Areas of practice:

Exhibition Curation
Creative Direction
Graphic Design
Exhibition Production
Editorial Writing
Public Engagement

Shortly before the exhibition opened, Ron was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despite declining health, he attended the private view with his family, where hundreds of visitors gathered to celebrate both his work and his lifelong commitment to painting. The exhibition became more than a presentation of artwork. It became a place for conversation, remembrance and shared experience.

Following Ron’s death later that year, I designed a commemorative photobook featuring photographs by Rachel Deakin, extending the project beyond the exhibition and preserving both the artwork and the atmosphere of its opening night.

Full Circle reinforced my belief that curation is not simply the presentation of artworks. It is the practice of recognising overlooked stories, creating meaningful encounters and designing environments where people, artworks and communities can connect.

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