Exhibition spotlighting individuals affected by breast cancer comes to Oxford  

A powerful portrait exhibition at St John’s College shines a light on the human stories behind breast cancer, while raising vital funds for Breast Cancer Now — from Friday 20^th to Wednesday 25th February 2026. 

You’re all invited to enjoy 16 striking portraits by artists Paul Starns and Oxford-based Ruth Swain at Kendrew Barn, St John’s College, accompanied by deeply personal stories from those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.  

Together, the works explore resilience, loss, survival and hope. The sitters reflect the indiscriminate nature of the disease and include people of all genders diagnosed with breast cancer, healthcare professionals dedicated to treatment and research, and loved ones left behind.

Among them are Paralympic gold medalist Anne Usher MBE, broadcaster and entrepreneur Sarah Beeny, former breast cancer surgeon Liz O’Riordan, and activist and author Emma Campbell. 

First shown at The Art Academy in London, Facing the Future has already raised over £130,000 for Breast Cancer Now. The exhibition continues that fundraising mission while offering a space for reflection. 

Ruth and Paul, who met while studying at The Art Academy, were inspired by their shared experiences of cancer diagnoses and a desire to show how widely breast cancer’s impact is felt.  

With more than 55,000 women and 400 men diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, Facing the Future promises a poignant artistic experience.

To find out more, pop by & visit facing-the-future.com and breastcancernow.org 

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