Image © John Roe

My painting of Dr Guy Bailey OBE, the civil rights activist, was in the MCC Museum at Lord’s to coincide with Black History Month.

The painting was officially unveiled by former England player Mark Alleyne, the Head Coach of Gloucestershire CCC, and Devon Malcolm, the Black Communities Liaison Officer for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who, with Bristol West Indies Cricket Club (BWIPCC) member Joan Fieldthorne both played a crucial role in championing the painting and its importance.

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Several notable figures from the cricketing world attended, including former England player Norman Cowans and Anita Neil MBE, the first Black Olympian from the United Kingdom. They were joined by members of the Bristol West Indies Cricket Club (BWIPCC), who came together in solidarity and pride as Bailey's painting was revealed at the prestigious home of cricket.

My painting of Mr Baily is displayed in England’s Black Cricketers Exhibition. This exhibition celebrates the 21 Black players who have represented England through portraits by Tom Shaw.

“The establishment of the cricket club stands as a testament to Guy Bailey’s never-ending resolve to ensure that cricket remained a fixture in the lives of all British people, irrespective of their race or religion. I have made it my mission to paint portraits of individuals who have consistently contributed to their local or global communities and have brought about meaningful change yet have been overlooked. It’s the pinnacle of an artist’s journey, and the place where you put the painting is as important as the painting itself. Seeing the painting here at Lord’s and the reaction of Guy and the crowd was very emotional.’’

Helen Wilson Roe 2024

Anita Neil MBE and the artist Helen Wilson Roe at the unveiling of the portrait of Guy Bailey, Lord’s Cricket Ground 2024
© John Roe