Original artwork description:

This ballpoint pen portrait of Sybil Phoenix OBE, a trailblazing community leader and the first Black woman in Britain to receive an MBE, was commissioned for the Deptford X festival 2025. For decades, Sybil dedicated herself to supporting vulnerable young people and fostering unity in Lewisham, becoming a cornerstone of the community. The portrait, drawn on pages from A Philosophy for a Modern Man (1938) by H. Levy, directly contrasts outdated ideologies with Sybil's progressive legacy. Reflecting on her journey, she once said, “I rose from the ashes, and I have survived.” This work celebrates her enduring impact, honours the overlooked contributions of Black British women, and reflects the vital role Sybil Phoenix has played in shaping modern Britain.

Ballpoint pen on antique texts.

42 X 59cm

Materials used:

ballpoint pen on antique text