ICONS presents a striking body of work by Jake Wood, best known to millions as Max Branning from EastEnders. Moving beyond the screen, Wood’s artistic practice explores the faces, figures and personalities that have shaped cultural identity across generations.

Working in a distinctive mixed media style, these pieces combine portraiture, collage, spray paint and street-art influences to create works that feel immediate, layered and alive.

From film legends and musicians to political figures and cultural icons, each work captures not just a likeness, but a legacy — transforming familiar faces into bold contemporary statements.

Alongside the original works, a limited edition release of hand-embellished prints offers collectors the opportunity to own a piece of the series.

This exhibition is proud to support Dementia UK.

Dementia reaches far beyond memory loss. It affects identity, relationships, language, confidence and everyday life. For those living with it — and for the families caring for someone they love — it can be deeply personal, frightening and overwhelming.

Dementia UK provides specialist support through Admiral Nurses, helping families with practical advice, emotional guidance and clinical expertise when they need it most.

In recognition of this work, 10% of proceeds from selected works and print sales from ICONS will be donated to Dementia UK.

Barbara Windsor was not only one of Britain’s most recognisable performers, but a deeply loved public figure whose warmth reached far beyond the screen.

In later life, her experience with Alzheimer’s helped bring national attention to dementia. Her story humanised the condition for many people, reminding the public that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a history and a legacy worth protecting.

Within ICONS, Barbara’s portrait becomes more than a celebration of fame. It becomes a celebration of memory itself — the laughter she gave, the characters she created, the affection she still holds, and the importance of remembering people in their fullness.

Winston Churchill remains one of the most significant figures in British history, known for his leadership during the Second World War and his role in shaping modern Britain.

In later life, Churchill experienced serious health challenges, including strokes that affected his strength and ability. While dementia was not diagnosed or discussed in the same way it is today, his later years still reflect some of the wider themes explored in this exhibition: ageing, memory, public identity and legacy.

This context gives the work another layer. It is not simply a portrait of power, but a portrait of humanity — of a person remembered through history, myth, leadership, frailty and national memory.

Brighton is more than a backdrop to this exhibition. It is part of the story.

During the Second World War, Brighton and the south coast stood exposed and vulnerable. The city experienced bombing, uncertainty and the constant threat of invasion, while its beaches and seafront were transformed by wartime defence measures.

One of the city’s most enduring wartime stories centres on the Royal Pavilion. It is often said locally that the Pavilion was spared because Hitler wanted to keep the building for himself after a possible invasion. Whether remembered as fact, myth or local folklore, the story speaks to the strange tension between destruction and preservation that still surrounds wartime memory.

This VE Day, the Churchill work takes on a particular resonance in Brighton. The city we know today — creative, expressive, rebellious, inclusive and free — exists because of those who fought to protect this country and the freedoms that allow culture to thrive.

For many involved in this exhibition, dementia is not an abstract idea. It is something lived.

Our PR partner Denise has experienced first-hand the impact of dementia through her father’s journey with the condition. Watching someone you love gradually change is something that cannot be fully explained from the outside. It reshapes relationships, memory and the way time is experienced as a family.

Her connection to the cause brings a deeper level of meaning to the exhibition. It is not only about raising awareness, but about recognising the emotional reality faced by so many families.

This is why the partnership with Dementia UK matters. Behind every statistic is a personal story, a family trying to navigate the unknown, and a need for specialist support delivered with care.

This exhibition would not have been possible without the support of the local community.

We are proud to be part of Brighton’s creative landscape, and grateful to the local businesses and individuals who continue to support art, culture and independent spaces in the city.

Special thanks to: