ARTISTS
Rebel Women of Sunderland
Discover the bold, brilliant and boundary-breaking women who have shaped Sunderland in this powerful and thought-provoking exhibition. Updated for 2026, view all 30 Kathryn Robertson illustrations under one roof, for the first time.
Rebel Women of Sunderland celebrates extraordinary local women, past and present, whose stories deserve to be seen and heard. From activists and artists to campaigners, pioneers and everyday trailblazers, the exhibition brings their achievements into focus through immersive storytelling, vibrant visuals and a compelling podcast series.
At its heart are the instantly recognisable illustrations of Sunderland artist Kathryn Robertson. Her striking visual style captures the resilience, individuality and spirit of each featured woman. Alongside Robertson’s work, the Rebel Women podcast series (produced by Professor Caroline Mitchell, We Make Culture and Lucky Penny Audio) gives voice to stories that have often gone untold, adding depth and intimacy to the exhibition experience.
The exhibition is enriched by a range of creative responses from female artists across the city. Pink-Collar Gallery, a Sunderland-based pop-up founded by curator Michaela Wetherell, presents recent projects including a creative workshop programme led by artist Tallulah Lines with women supported by Wearside Women in Need, and Her Mark, a calligraphy project led by Auburn Langley exploring the overlooked creative legacies of medieval women.
Researcher in Residence Sophie Piper introduces the work of Eileen “Dusty” Deste, an accomplished yet overlooked twentieth-century photographer. Visitors can interact with Deste’s 1961 photographs of the Pyrex Factory, rearranging them to explore how narratives of women’s work are shaped and reshaped. We are also delighted to feature work by the Older Women’s Artist Collective and Southwick REACH (Research Education Arts and Culture Home).
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Discover the bold, brilliant and boundary-breaking women who have shaped Sunderland in this powerful and thought-provoking exhibition. Updated for 2026, view all 30 Kathryn Robertson illustrations under one roof, for the first time.
Rebel Women of Sunderland celebrates extraordinary local women, past and present, whose stories deserve to be seen and heard. From activists and artists to campaigners, pioneers and everyday trailblazers, the exhibition brings their achievements into focus through immersive storytelling, vibrant visuals and a compelling podcast series.
At its heart are the instantly recognisable illustrations of Sunderland artist Kathryn Robertson. Her striking visual style captures the resilience, individuality and spirit of each featured woman. Alongside Robertson’s work, the Rebel Women podcast series (produced by Professor Caroline Mitchell, We Make Culture and Lucky Penny Audio) gives voice to stories that have often gone untold, adding depth and intimacy to the exhibition experience.
The exhibition is enriched by a range of creative responses from female artists across the city. Pink-Collar Gallery, a Sunderland-based pop-up founded by curator Michaela Wetherell, presents recent projects including a creative workshop programme led by artist Tallulah Lines with women supported by Wearside Women in Need, and Her Mark, a calligraphy project led by Auburn Langley exploring the overlooked creative legacies of medieval women.
Researcher in Residence Sophie Piper introduces the work of Eileen “Dusty” Deste, an accomplished yet overlooked twentieth-century photographer. Visitors can interact with Deste’s 1961 photographs of the Pyrex Factory, rearranging them to explore how narratives of women’s work are shaped and reshaped. We are also delighted to feature work by the Older Women’s Artist Collective and Southwick REACH (Research Education Arts and Culture Home).
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