LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Hosted by Indelible Fine Art, the private view will introduce a collection that blends portraiture, historical reflection, and contemporary cultural commentary. The opening night will also feature the unveiling of a large-scale exterior mural of Winston Churchill, alongside a showcase of 15 original works and the release of a signed, limited-edition Churchill print.

Actor and visual artist Jake Wood is set to unveil his latest exhibition, Icon Series, in Brighton on Thursday, 7 May at 6pm, marking the eve of VE Day.

A percentage of the sales will go towards supporting Dementia UK, a cause closely aligned with one of the exhibition’s central subjects.

At the heart of Icon Series is a painting of Dame Barbara Windsor. Barbara Windsor is honoured in a vibrant and celebratory piece that reflects her warmth, humour, and enduring presence in British popular culture. The artwork also acknowledges her later-life experience with dementia and her Damehood, offering a personal dimension to the wider cultural tribute.

The Churchill mural, meanwhile, anchors the exhibition’s connection to VE Day commemorations, reinforcing themes of remembrance and national identity. Together, the works position Icon Series as both a homage to influential British figures and a contemporary exploration of legacy, memory, and public consciousness.

Set against the backdrop of Brighton’s established arts scene, the exhibition is expected to attract attention not only for its subject matter but also for its blend of celebrity portraiture and charitable purpose.

Jake said: “The Barbara piece was really about capturing her joy and her light. She had this incredible energy; I just wanted the painting to feel like her when she walked into a room.”

Icon Series brings together bold, mixed-media portraits spanning politics, film, music and sport, celebrating figures who have shaped culture and history. Each work combines spray paint, acrylic, digital techniques and collage to create Wood’s layered, expressive style. There is also a mural of Churchill and

Jake added: “It’s people who have inspired me or people I’ve known. With Churchill, it’s about capturing presence, what he represents, but doing it in a way that feels alive and immediate.”

The exhibition carries a deeply personal charity focus, with proceeds supporting Dementia UK. The cause is especially significant in light of Barbara Windsor’s diagnosis, and Churchill himself later experiencing dementia.

Jake said: “Seeing Barbara go through dementia, and having other friends go through similar experiences, it stays with you. It’s something that really matters, and Dementia UK do incredible work.”

Scott Mitchell, Barbara Windsor’s husband, who grew up in Brighton, will attend the private view in support of the exhibition and the fundraising initiative.

Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO of Dementia UK, said: “We are hugely grateful to Jake for supporting Dementia UK through this wonderful exhibition which captures the spirit of some iconic characters including Barbara Windsor. Her brave choice to share her own experience of dementia helped increase awareness and understanding of dementia and Jake will help do the same through this exhibition. By raising funds and awareness through his art, Jake will help us reach more people than ever through the dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who work on our Helpline and in our clinics, offering practical and emotional support to anyone affected by dementia.”

The Brighton location adds further resonance, with Churchill’s long-standing connections to the city, including his education in Hove and wartime and post-war visits.

Jake, who is largely self-taught, developed his artistic practice during lockdown, drawing inspiration from street art and artists including Banksy, David Hockney and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His work blends spray paint, acrylic, digital techniques and collage into layered contemporary portraits.

The private view on 7th May marks the official launch and month-long exhibition and mural, bringing together art, history and philanthropy on the eve of VE Day