Description

Doreen is a tender and humorous Northern narrative painting inspired by Sue Dewhurst’s own next-door neighbour growing up — a woman shaped by wartime Britain, working-class pride and a lifetime of quietly observing the world from behind immaculate net curtains.

Set against gleaming red brick terraces, the painting captures Doreen standing guard over her spotless front step, mildly baffled by the changing habits of younger generations and deeply suspicious of anything involving bi-fold doors or veganism.

Part of the acclaimed Owd Lasses series, the painting explores the interplay between generations: curiosity, affection, judgement and respect existing side by side. Beneath the humour sits something deeply human — a portrait of a woman who lived through enormous social change yet still found herself astonished by the modern world arriving next door.

Rendered in rich warm colours and expressive brushwork, the painting blends social history, nostalgia and storytelling into a striking contemporary British artwork. The strong geometry of the terraces and vivid yellow skip contrast beautifully with Doreen’s small but commanding presence.

Ideal for collectors of Northern art, British figurative painting and narrative artwork rooted in working-class culture and memory.

Sue Dewhurst is a contemporary British artist based in West Wales whose work explores humour, nostalgia and working-class identity through narrative painting. Influenced by Northern England, Newcastle, Yorkshire and Wales, her paintings celebrate overlooked communities, social history and the emotional resonance of ordinary life.

Her Owd Lasses series has developed a loyal following for its combination of cinematic storytelling, sharp humour and affectionate observations of British culture and memory.

For more in the series Owd Lasses click here

• Original contemporary narrative painting by British artist Sue Dewhurst
• Part of the acclaimed Owd Lasses storytelling series
• Inspired by traditional Northern neighbourhood life and red brick terraces
• Explores generational change, neighbourliness and working-class pride
• Features Sue Dewhurst’s signature blend of humour and emotional observation
• Professionally presented in a hand-painted wooden shadow frame
• Includes original typed character caption mounted on the frame
• Accompanied by Doreen’s printed back story card
• A unique conversation piece celebrating British social history and memory
• Ideal for collectors of Northern art and contemporary figurative painting
• Ready to hang immediately