Work in Progress (2021-22) by artists Jann Haworth and Liberty Blake unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery

Work in Progress (2021-22) co-created by Courtauld alumna Jann Haworth and Liberty Blake has been revealed at the National Portrait Gallery, which reopens today (22 June 2023) following a three-year refurbishment. 

The new group portrait forms part of Reframing Narratives: Women in Portraiture, a three-year partnership project between the National Portrait Gallery and the CHANEL Culture Fund, which aims to increase representation of women within the Gallery’s collection. 

Modelled after the artists’ previous mural of the same name, Work in Progress is a seven-panel commission depicting 130 women who have had a significant impact on British history and culture. Inspired by the cover for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which Haworth also co-created in 1967, the mural draws together many stencilled depictions of cultural figures into a single image. 

The mural was created in collaboration with colleges and community groups across the UK, through a series of workshops led by Haworth and Blake. Participating groups included the National Portrait Gallery Youth Forum, The Courtauld and Murray Edwards College, Cambridge. 

Professor Jo Applin, Professor in the History of Art at The Courtauld, coordinated a Zoom workshop in May 2022 for fifteen Courtauld participants, led by Haworth and Blake. Each participant nominated a woman whose portrait resides in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.  

Professor Applin, said: “The experience was incredibly enjoyable, though for some it was a steep learning curve. Being guided by Jann and Liberty in creating a piece of art was an absolute dream, albeit somewhat daunting. Witnessing them in their roles as teachers, continuously offering encouragement, was truly exhilarating. Having discussed Jann’s 1960s work for some time, it was wonderful to observe her guiding us through the creative process.” 

Jo Applin first met Haworth when reviewing her exhibition at Pallant House for the TLS. Since that initial meeting, the artist has engaged in conversations for fellow alumni and contributed to an event for the Centre for American Art. This event, hosted by Professor Applin, explored the connection between Haworth’s work and the moving image.