A DIVERSE photo exhibition hopes to capture Barnsley’s vibrant spirit.
The Faces of Barnsley exhibition first opened during the February half-term, celebrating some of the people who make Barnsley so special.
On Monday, an event saw members of the council, project participants and partners invited to visit the exhibition, share their stories and reflect on the town’s importance to them.
The exhibition hopes to capture a living portrait of Barnsley, shaped by those who live, work and care here.
Each portrait stands as an individual story, but together they create a powerful, collective narrative that presents an authentic, modern-day Barnsley.
The project also hopes to challenge stereotypes, disproving outdated perceptions of the town.
When setting about curating photographs for the exhibition, curators had some participants in mind, like Dr Elizabeth Uchegbu, a consultant endocrinologist, at Barnsley Hospital.
Elizabeth said: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of this project, and I think it’s important to represent the diversity of Barnsley.
“I’ve worked at Barnsley Hospital for nearly 20 years, and it’s given me a strong sense of belonging.
“The values of Barnsley people align so closely with mine - they’re family‑orientated, straightforward, and resilient, which is very similar to my African background.
“I’ve made Barnsley my home and built friendships that feel like family.
“I think Barnsley is a beautiful town to be part of.”
Other subjects were approached spontaneously for the project, with the large majority of participants enthusiastically taking part.
Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, told the Chronicle his thoughts on what makes the exhibition so special.
He added: “We’ve got faces from right around the borough.
“Every community and every corner is represented and it celebrates the very best of Barnsley.
“It celebrates all of the fantastic work these people do and indeed thousands more.
“Barnsley is a very different place to what it was 50 years ago - and it’s fabulous that all of these people who have been born here, or have made Barnsley their home are making such a fantastic contribution.
“In many ways it’s a love letter to Barnsley residents and a huge thank you as well.
“When thinking about what makes Barnsley what it is, it always comes back to the people.”
