Portraits of Barnsley Artists

Storying Barnsley commissioned Barnsley based photographer and mixed media artist Sean O'Connell to photograph a number of Barnsley's artists and creative practitioners in spontaneous photoshoots, capturing them in their natural environment.

The project ran for 12 months, culminating in a set of images that showcases the variety and talent of our local creative community.

On display at Library @ The Lightbox from 7 March - 11 April and at Barnsley Civic from 28 March - 30 April

Participants

Sean O’Connell

Keira Martin

The Dearne Playhouse Actors and Performers

Ian McMillan and Patrick Murphy

Spencer Hughes

Ailish Treanor

Tala Lee-Turton

Sam Batley

Barnsley Metropolitan Band Band Members

A black-and-white photo of a person taking a self-portrait in a round mirror, holding a camera in front of their face. Toiletries like a brush and a bottle are visible beside the mirror.
Sean O'Connell, 2024
A person in a cow costume with black spots stands in the foreground, while another person in a dress and headband stands behind them, possibly backstage with metal scaffolding in the background.

The Dearne Playhouse, 2023

Two older men wearing glasses and jackets stand in a grassy field near brick buildings, posing for a black-and-white photo. The mood appears casual and the background includes suburban houses and a tall hedge.

Patrick Murphy & Ian McMillan, 2024

A person with short brown hair, wearing a teal crop top, stands against a muted brown background. They turn their head away from the camera and bend one arm upward, hand at chin level, in a thoughtful or expressive pose.
Tala Lee-Turton, 2024
Black and white photo of a person partially submerged in a lake, with only their eyes and forehead visible above the water. Rocky, mountainous terrain rises in the background under bright sunlight.
Sam Batley, 2024
A black and white photo of a woman with dark hair looking to the left, sitting in a room with abstract art on the wall and a folding ladder in the background. The atmosphere appears artistic and contemplative.

Ailish Treanor, 2024

A black and white photo of a band rehearsal shows musicians sitting with instruments and sheet music. Several members have one hand raised, and the group appears to be mid-discussion or responding to a conductor.

Barnsley Metropolitan Band, 2024

A person in exaggerated drag makeup and a large, bright pink wig with a black bow poses in a colorful dress. Wigs and costume items are visible on a nearby table in the background.
The Dearne Playhouse, 2023
A man with glasses and a button-up shirt sits indoors, smiling and looking to the left. The black-and-white photo shows shelves, a framed certificate, and various objects in the background.

Spencer Hughes, 2024

A group of young girls in similar ballet costumes with braided hair stand close together, facing away from the camera against a dark background. The image is slightly blurry and in black and white.

The Dearne Playhouse, 2023

A joyful woman with curly hair and large earrings dances outside, smiling widely. She wears a dress with lace details. Behind her are a shed, plants, and a snow-dusted roof.
Keira Martin, 2024

'Portraits of Barnsley Artists' has been commissioned and funded by Barnsley Council's Cultural Development Fund programme, Storying Barnsley.