FEATURED ARTISTHelena Butler

Painter Helena Butler is based in Brentford, West London – sandwiched between two historic entry points into the city: the Great West Road, and the rolling River Thames.

Working in oil paints, Helena’s semi-abstract landscapes capture the changing light and dramatic tension shared by these iconic routes. Through bold use of light and shadow, and a palette of rich, intense colours, Helena’s studies capture the emotive and expressive beauty of both river and road.

Ceramic artist Anna Butler is a recent graduate from the Royal College of Art. To complement the exhibition of river and road paintings, Anna has created an installation inspired by the Thames Pilgrim Way. Using wondrous objects ‘found’ on an imagined walk, and texts from London author Virginia Woolf and others, Anna’s installation takes the viewer on an imaginary journey, inviting a contemplative response.

Since Roman times, the route to Bath and the West Country ran through Brentford High Street. When the High Street became hugely congested in the early 20th Century, a new route for traffic was devised: the Great West Road. Immediately popular, it allowed Brentford to flourish and gave birth to the iconic Art Deco buildings along its ‘Golden Mile’.

The River Thames

A vital ancient route into London, the Thames’ strategic location and navigable waters facilitated the easy movement of people and goods – contributing to the growth and development of west London and beyond.

The Thames Pilgrim Way

Though well-known as a public footpath, the Thames path is also historically a site of pilgrimage. Long-seen as a holy river that flows from the West towards London and the dawn, the Thames received offerings of treasure from the ancient Celts and is celebrated by writers ancient and modern. It is now honoured with its own ‘Thames Pilgrim Way’.

‘London: Rivers and Roads’

An exhibition of painting and ceramics at the Barbican Library

3 – 29 September 2025
Entrance free

The Barbican Library presents a new exhibition of paintings and ceramics, ‘London: Rivers and Roads’. This free exhibition runs from 3 to 30 September 2025.

The exhibition features over 25 new paintings of the Great West Road and the River
Thames by artist Helena Butler, and an installation inspired by the Thames Pilgrim Way by ceramic artist Anna Butler.