The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is celebrating its first woman governor with a specially commissioned photographic portrait.
In 2022, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall appointed Delma Tomlin as its governor, the first woman in the role since its foundation in 1357. Dr Tomlin is also the director of the National Centre for Early Music in York.
The photo portrait will join the oil paintings of past governors on display around the hall, and the new addition will mark a move away from traditional paintings to digital work.
Dr Delma Tomlin said: “It was such an honour to take up the role of the first female governor of this venerable organisation, which has a 660 year history. We hope that visitors will be as excited as we are by this historic photo portrait.”
For the photo portrait, The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall commissioned Ashley Karrell to create the original work.
Karrell is an award-winning director, producer, photographer and artist, known for his highly acclaimed films #BlackBoyJoyGone and DISPLACED.
He is also the first Black portrait photographer commissioned for the permanent collection of the stately home of Harewood House, with the series called Missing Portraits, featuring Arthur France MBE and David Harewood OBE.
Ashley Karrell said: “I’m truly grateful to Dr Delma Tomlin and the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall for the opportunity of creating this significant portrait. My art is captivated by stories about human experiences, the exploration of community, and social engagement.
“To be a small part of the 660 year history of this institution gives me joy and I hope the audience will feel strength and humility within the eyes of our first female governor. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your story.”
The completed portrait will go on display in the Great Hall this Easter.
The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is York’s oldest medieval building, and is home to a variety of collections of silver, furniture and paintings that give a glimpse into its rich history. Find out more at their website here.