Jo Dumpleton creates delicately intimate portraiture inspired by 18th-century miniatures, historical fashion, and Busby Berkeley films. Sourcing discarded family photos from antique fairs, she explores the mystery of unknown subjects. Her painstakingly detailed process balances fine pencil control with pan pastels applied by sponge, creating a soft, painterly texture. By zooming in on specific elements like hands, clothing, or moustaches, she gives these vintage figures a humorous, contemporary feel.

Based in Hertfordshire, Jo studied Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts, London. Her practice has recently expanded from intricate, small-scale pencil drawings into larger, highly tactile works.

"I find it quite heartbreaking that these people and memories that were once so special to someone are now lost and being sold to complete strangers. Drawing these subjects, not only allows me to indulge my interest in fashions and styles of the past, but it also allows me time to think about who this person may have been and what kind of life they had. I hope that the viewer has a similar experience, perhaps coming up with their own story for each piece.”