A year after losing my mum, artist and printmaker Barbara Kennard, one thing that brings me joy (apart from remembering her wicked laugh) is knowing her work is still being enjoyed.
Mum would have loved that.
She made work that connected people with places, stories and history, and nowhere captured her imagination quite like the North East.
Although she was originally from Basildon and my dad hailed from Kent, the North East became their home for more than 30 years. The friends they made, the experiences they had and places they explored in the region shaped their lives and in turn, shaped Mum’s art.
I was lucky enough to be part of her creative journey. I attended her Fine Art degree exhibition at the University of Sunderland, proudly helping put up her prints. On the surface, it appeared to be about geese. In reality, it was an exploration of female strength and resilience.
Over the years, her art evolved. Her focus increasingly turned towards North East culture and history, particularly the stories of working communities, the changing identity of the region and the landscapes that bear the memories of the people who have gone before us.
One series that meant a great deal to her was Angel of the North.
For Mum, Antony Gormley’s iconic sculpture represented far more than a landmark. It symbolised the resilience of North East communities and a reimagining of masculinity.
Her angels stood proud, passionate, strong and protective, while also expressing gentleness and care. In one print, the Angel towers above an imagined mining landscape, standing watch over generations of men who worked underground and helped shape the region’s history.
Some of Mum’s happiest moments were spent exploring the Cheviots and Till Valley with my dad. As he developed his retirement hobby as a hill guide, the two of them would spend days walking together, discovering inspiring views, ancient pathways and Neolithic rock art.
Mum would sketch as they went, later transforming those experiences into prints filled with colour, texture and character. Those landscapes, and the joy she found within them, became an important part of her artistic legacy.
Recently, we were thrilled that Mum’s beloved printing press found a new home at Northern Print, allowing future generations of artists to discover the craft she loved so much.
Now, we have one final wish for that legacy.
A small collection of Barbara’s original prints remain available, including works inspired by the Angel of the North, the Cheviot Hills, the Till Valley and Northumberland’s ancient rock art.
We would love to see them stay in the North East, displayed in the places and communities that inspired them.
So whether you’re a gallery curator, café owner, publican, community organiser, local business or arts venue, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not precious about where the work hangs. What matters is that it continues to be seen, enjoyed and talked about.
Knowing that Mum’s prints are still sparking conversations across the region she loved would be the most fitting tribute imaginable.
If you think one of Barbara’s works could find a home on your wall, in your venue or in your community, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Find out more here and if you’d like to get in touch with us, you can email juliabullas01@gmail.com.