Bard of Barnsley Ian McMillan portrait celebrates art for all

Poet Ian McMillan at the unveiling of his portrait with artist Richard Kitson

The painting by local artist Richard Kitson celebrates a Barnsley campaign making art and culture accessible to all and is now on show at the town centre’s Library @ the Lightbox until the end of January, writes Graham Walker.

It was unveiled on the eve of National Poetry Day.

The work is a chance for residents and visitors to embrace the town’s All In programme that was launched earlier in September to make art and culture accessible to more people than ever before.

Barnsley Libraries was awarded National Portfolio Organisations status at the end of 2022 and are committed to bringing art and culture to local communities as part of their enhanced offer.

Ian, affectionately know as the Bard of Barnsley, is the town’s celebrity poet, journalist, playwright, and broadcaster, a presenter of The Verb on BBC Radio 3 and a columnist for The Yorkshire Post.

It this was the first time he had seen the portrait himself.

“It’s such a privilege to have my portrait painted by a wonderful Barnsley artist like Richard Kitson. He’s captured the real me and if ever I forget who I am, I’ll come to Library @ the Lightbox to remind myself,” joked Ian, who is affectionately know as the Bard of Barnsley, one of the UK’s best-known contemporary poets.

Bard of Barnsley Ian McMillan admires his portrait

“Barnsley these days is a real hub of the arts, thanks to people like Richard.”

Richard, who specialises in portraiture and the human figure, said: “It’s rare that I paint anyone with a public profile, so when I met Ian, I wanted to create something that celebrates Ian’s contribution to local culture. It’s been a pleasure working with him, and an enjoyable experience.”

A new Library Lates programme will bring evening cultural events, activities, talks and sessions to libraries across the borough.

The programme is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.