Indelible Fine Art in Jew Street, Brighton, is presenting Icon Series by actor and artist Jake Wood, best known for his role as Max Branning on the hit BBC show.
A private viewing of his work will take place on Thursday, May 7, at 6pm, the eve of VE Day.
The evening will see the unveiling of a large-scale mural of Winston Churchill on the exterior of the gallery, alongside a showcase of 15 original works and the release of a signed limited-edition Churchill print, with ten per cent of sales supporting dementia specialist nursing charity Dementia UK.
At the centre of the exhibition are two defining portraits: Winston Churchill, marking VE Day, and Dame Barbara Windsor, who died with dementia at the age of 83.
Dame Barbara, a close friend of Jake’s from his time on EastEnders and who played the Queen Vic’s landlady, Peggy Mitchell, is portrayed in a vivid, celebratory piece that reflects her warmth, humour and larger-than-life presence, including during the period she received her damehood while already living with dementia.
Jake said: “The Barbara piece was really about capturing her joy and her light. She had this incredible energy; I just wanted the painting to feel like her when she walked into a room.”
Icon Series brings together bold, mixed-media portraits spanning politics, film, music and sport, celebrating figures who have shaped culture and history. Each work combines spray paint, acrylic, digital techniques and collage to create Wood’s layered, expressive style.
Jake added: “It’s people who have inspired me or people I’ve known. With Churchill, it’s about capturing presence, what he represents, but doing it in a way that feels alive and immediate.”
The exhibition carries a deeply personal charity focus.
Jake said: “Seeing Barbara go through dementia, and having other friends go through similar experiences, it stays with you. It’s something that really matters, and Dementia UK do incredible work.”
Jake Wood’s art pieces including his tribute to Dame Barbara (Image: Jake Wood/Indelible Fine ARt)
Scott Mitchell, Dame Barbara’s husband, who grew up in Brighton, will attend the private view in support of the exhibition and the fundraising initiative.
Dr Hilda Hayo, chief admiral nurse and chief executive of Dementia UK, said: “We are hugely grateful to Jake for supporting Dementia UK through this wonderful exhibition which captures the spirit of some iconic characters including Barbara Windsor.
“Her brave choice to share her own experience of dementia helped increase awareness and understanding of dementia and Jake will help do the same through this exhibition. By raising funds and awareness through his art, Jake will help us reach more people than ever through the dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who work on our Helpline and in our clinics, offering practical and emotional support to anyone affected by dementia.”
The Brighton location adds further resonance, with Churchill’s long-standing connections to the city, including his education in Hove and wartime and post-war visits.
Jake, who is largely self-taught, developed his artistic practice during lockdown, drawing inspiration from street art and artists including Banksy, David Hockney and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His work blends spray paint, acrylic, digital techniques and collage into layered contemporary portraits.
The private view on May 7 marks the official launch and month long exhibition and mural.