Artwork which captures the heart and soul of Barrow has been created by two local artists.
Karen Evans and Maddy Humberstone tell the story of the town in the giant cloth artwork which now hangs in Cookes Building on Abbey Road.
It contains 80 images of Barrow people, wildlife, buildings, history and culture.
It also forms the backdrop to Theatre Factory’s year-long festival of drama, IF! Inclusion.
The artwork has been so well-received that the artists have now reproduced it onto cushions, tote and make-up bags, which are available at Cooke’s Studios.
Karen and Maddy first met at Barrow Sixth Form in the 1990s and lost touch until meeting again in recent years to make art together.
Karen, director of Community Development at Theatre Factory, said: “It’s really lovely to work together. At college we first met making textiles in class and now we are doing it again as grown ups.”
Maddy said: “Artwork on fabric made of many images is known as a toile de jour. I was really keen to make giant artwork about Barrow. At the same time Theatre Factory wanted something that told the story of the town and complemented the IF! Festival.
“We originally had the idea to create nine Barrow scenes onto the cloth but once we got going there was a real flow to our work.”
Karen: “Theatre Factory runs drama workshops in the community so I kept asking people what would they like to see on this local fabric for Barrow. So we ended up with this huge list.
“We are so delighted with how the artwork turned out. It feels like a fitting tribute to this brilliant town. It’s a bit of an eye-spy when you look at the fabric – there is so much on there. I think people love Barrow as much as we do.”
People, scenes and institutions depicted on the artwork are:
- Chewits monster – Barrow was featured on a TV advert for the confection in the 1980s.
- Arctic tern – famous seabird which soars over south Walney.
- The Bon Bon sweet shop with legendary proprietors Betty and Wynne
- Dave Day – the annual tribute to Hairy Biker Dave Myers.
- Barrow AFC and Barrow Raiders rugby club.
- BUMS – Barrow Underground Music Society.
Theatre Factory’s IF! Inclusion – A Love Song to Barrow launched last month and runs to late 2026.
The year-long festival of ground-breaking drama is inspired by Barrow people and the town they call home.
IF! Inclusion has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England and BAE Systems.
