Painted Living Garments
An exhibition of painting and fashion, by Luke Thompson and Joan Murray
10th October 2026 - 14th April 2027
Painted Living Garments celebrates the collaboration between two Skipton artists working in traditional art forms: oil painting and textiles. Though separated by two generations, Luke Thompson (b. 1993) and Joan Murray (b. 1954) share a common vision and set of values in their work. Over a career spanning more than forty years, Joan has created a body of handmade garments, drawing on pattern making and textile traditions to produce expressive and distinctive designs. For a period of two years, Luke has responded to a selection of these creations through a series of figurative portraits, capturing both the wearer and the garment in paint.
Luke’s painting Jacquie in Red was exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition in 2026. Joan’s work is held in public collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; The Whitworth, Manchester; and Hove Museum & Art Gallery, as well as in private collections across the UK and internationally.
Image: Luke Thompson – Rose and the Lyre
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