Portrait artist Melissa Speed is asking Derbyshire residents to propose people who they feel deserve to have their portrait painted, for a project called We Are All Derbyshire.
Portrait artist Melissa Speed is asking Derbyshire residents to propose people who they feel deserve to have their portrait painted, in nomination sessions at seven of Derbyshire County Council’s libraries.
Residents are asked to fill out nomination forms that are available in Matlock, Heanor, Swadlincote, Buxton, Bolsover, Glossop and Ashbourne libraries. Melissa hopes to capture the likenesses of the unsung heroes who are doing such good work in Derbyshire’s communities.
Melissa will talk to the nominees and select which 20 to paint. The actual painting would take place at a time and place to be agreed between Melissa and the subject. The finished portraits will hang in the seven libraries and will be given to the sitters afterwards to keep.
Melissa, who appeared on Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year in October 2023, lives and works in Derbyshire.
She said:
“Derbyshire is known for its magnificent landscapes, but its people are every bit as wonderful. I want to celebrate the people who do the small things which make a big difference and help to make Derbyshire the special place it is.
“I'm so excited to be welcomed into communities across the county to hear the stories of their unsung heroes and find out who they would like to see featured in this portrait collection.”
Nominations are open at the events, and for seven days after. Library visitors can take the forms away with them and return within seven days – to give them chance to get the permission of the nominee. They can also email a scan or photograph of the completed form to melissa@weareallderbyshire.com
The community nomination sessions will be held in the mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am:
- Matlock Library, Tuesday 6 August
- Heanor Library, Friday, 9 August
- Swadlincote Library, Tuesday 13 August
- Buxton Library, Thursday 15 August
- Bolsover Library, Friday 16 August
- Glossop Library, Monday 19 August
- Ashbourne Library, Wednesday 21 August.
Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said:
“Our libraries are at the heart of our communities and we are thrilled to welcome Melissa as she pays a remarkable and lasting tribute to the wonderful people who are so important in making those communities what they are.”
Read more about the project