Artist in Residence: Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station

Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station is a significant local landmark. For many people the sight of it on the horizon means they are nearing home. It contributes much to the sense of place of the Trent Valley.

I am a local artist, who has lived near the site for many years. When decommissioning of Ratcliffe was announced I felt it was important to capture something of its character at the close of its working life, and at the end of a significant part of the history of power generation in the UK.

Uniper kindly allowed me to become their artist in residence at Ratcliffe. I have visited the site on a regular basis since the spring of 2023. This has resulted in a series of oil paintings, prints and sketches, some of which are on display here. Observing the complex structure of the site, under different lighting and weather conditions has been fascinating. It has also given me the valuable opportunity to sketch and talk to the people working on the site.


Page from sketchbook, Mill Hall, 2023

Many of the paintings and drawing I have made at Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station are in my Industrial Gallery.

In addition, a collection of sketches and finished work is available as a photo book called Cloud Factory. Sick here for further details.