One of the UK’s most beloved contemporary artists, Bob is renowned for his evocative representations of northern mill towns and his self-styled ‘Northern Impressionism’. His much anticipated Northern Light exhibition, showcasing new signed limited edition releases, boutique editions and never-before-seen original work, is inspired by the unique qualities of the north. Where others might see soot-blackened stone and polluted skies, Barker’s paintings depict the light that shines from towns dominated by their industrial legacies.

With over a decade of experience as a professional artist, the coming year will prove a landmark period for Bob with Hull one of three northern cities to showcase the Northern Light exhibition this year. The tour will culminate in Bob’s debut museum exhibition at Leeds City Museum in January 2017: the iconic and historic setting will complement the artist’s nostalgic work which expertly captures the Yorkshire of his youth, seen again through the eyes of an adult.   One of the UK’s bestselling contemporary artists, Bob says: “Nostalgia spurs me to paint by looking back to childhood; this allows me to be quite free artistically. In my neck of the woods, with the subjects I paint, most people see soot blackened stone and polluted skies, but I see colours. The echoes of my past become my future paintings – and they’re still full of life.”