The Pearls
Introducing The Pearls
Earlier this year, I attended The Pearls Painting Symposium at The Birley Studios in Preston. The event was organised by Jayne Simpson, an inspirational force and founder of The Pearls. It was the second event of its kind, bringing together an inspiring group of women painters from across the North of England. I had already been acquainted with several of the artists and their work, so I was genuinely delighted to be invited to exhibit alongside them at The Manchester Contemporary
The Pearls are a collective of twenty women painters connected through a shared commitment to the critical discourse of contemporary painting. Formed through dialogue and mutual support, the group reflects the vitality of women’s painting in the North today; work that is intellectually alert, emotionally resonant, and grounded in lived experience.
Each artist within the collective brings a distinct visual language of mark, colour, and form. Yet their practices speak to one another; subtley and powerfully, exploring a diverse range of themes associated with connection, visibility, and endurance.
The Pearls first appearance together at The Manchester Contemporary marks an important moment: presenting painting as a site of inquiry and solidarity, a place where thought, feeling, and form converge. It is also a celebration of how collective presence can strengthen and amplify the individual voice.
Special thanks go to artist, teacher, and founder Jayne Simpson, The Birley Studios and Project Space, Preston for their support and to Arts Council England, the Lancashire Sports and Culture Fund, and all SpaceHive contributors. And of course to all my fellow Pearls who are an awesome bunch without exception that inspire, elevate, and support each other. A special thanks to Kate Jacob and Nan Collantine for taking on the Instagram & Press release tasks.
Location: North West England, UK
The Pearls
The Manchester Contemporary 2025
Stand | 216