Portraits of women by women

In 2017, working with colleagues from Attenborough Arts, we commissioned three portraits of female ‘firsts’ at the University of Leicester, all to be painted by female artists. We received more than 50 applications from artists keen to be part of this historic change and are absolutely delighted with the three finished works which were unveiled in March 2018 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The art we display on campus matters; it is a mechanism by which we can express our values.  This project represents and celebrates the diversity of our staff, students and wider contributors, by recognising pioneers whose achievements have challenged stereotypes and demonstrated that achievement and leadership has no boundaries of race or gender. These portraits mark a place on our journey towards embedding a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity throughout the University.