People & Places

A VIBRANT COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS BY LOCAL ARTIST JEFF SMITH, EXPLORING THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT HAVE INSPIRED HIS WORK

Jeff Smith studied textile design at Hartlepool and Hull College of Art, where he first developed a fascination with colour, pattern and shape. After a long career in the screen-printing industry in West Yorkshire, he has returned to his artistic roots, creating striking paintings that combine bold composition with a strong sense of place.

Now based in Howden, Jeff’s work often captures familiar scenes from the local area — from views of Howden Minster and The Ashes Playing Field to quiet streets and everyday moments. Alongside these recognisable landmarks are portraits, abstract studies and landscapes inspired by travels further afield, from Windsor to North Wales. The exhibition moves between realism and abstraction, reflecting Jeff’s interest in pattern, reflection and the way light transforms ordinary scenes.

Jeff is also the founder of Art 4 All Howden, a growing community arts festival that celebrates both professional artists and local creativity. What began as a small idea has quickly grown into a major event, with hundreds of artists displaying work across the town every two years.

This exhibition offers a chance to see a selection of Jeff’s paintings up close – from detailed local scenes to expressive abstract works, and to explore the stories and inspirations behind them.

The exhibition runs for a month, from Fri 17 Apr – Sun 17 May. Available to view whenever Junction’s doors are open.