Celebrating Sonia Boyce Workshops

About this record

For Newham Heritage Month 2023, local textile designer Hafza Yusuf produced a series of workshops for Newham art enthusiasts. During the workshops, participants were guided to create a response to the work of celebrated Newham artist Sonia Boyce OBE RA and her piece ‘She Ain’t holding them up, She’s Holding on ( Some English Rose)’, 1986. This record details to the process and the outcome.

An artists creating
Hafza creating her response Art piece © Hafza Yusuf

As part of the workshops, I wanted to create my own creative response for students to see as an example of how they can express themself through their art. I had so much fun creating this, and I've learned a lot about Sonia Boyce through the research we carried out as part of the project.

Hafza Yusuf, Textile Designer

Creative textile workshops

Students from Caramel Rock College in Newham designed self-portraits in response to Sonia Boyce’s work.

Students holding their artwork
Students holding their artwork © Hafza Yusuf

Sonia Boyce is my new favourite artist, so I was happy to learn about her work and create my own personal response to her art. I’m so excited to see my artwork in the exhibition during Newham Heritage Month, and this will be the first time my art will be on display, so I'm feeling proud.

Anonymous, Art student
Student holding up final textile print
Student holding up final textile print © Hafza Yusuf
A close-up of the student's painting progress
A close-up of the student's painting progress © Hafza Yusuf
Textile designer Hafza Yusuf teaching a textile workshop © Hafza Yusuf
Textile designer Hafza Yusuf teaching a textile workshop
Textile designer Hafza Yusuf teaching a textile workshop © Hafza Yusuf

The workshops were the best part of the project. I learned a new art skill and much about myself as an artist. We learnt how to design prints on fabric and became confident in sharing our work. I can't wait to see my work in the exhibition.

Sumaya, Art student
A close-up of the student's painting progress
A close-up of the student's painting progress © Hafza Yusuf
Textile designer Hafza Yusuf teaching a textile workshop
Textile designer Hafza Yusuf teaching a textile workshop © Hafza Yusuf

The workshops were a great opportunity for students to learn about the historical work by Sonia Boyce and had the chance to create their own personal responses while sharing stories of heritage and culture.

Hafza Yusuf, Textile Designer

Celebrating Sonia Boyce Exhibition 

After a successful series of art workshops, we put together a final exhibition for Newham Heritage Month to showcase the artwork from students responding to Sonia Boyce. It was amazing to see all of these beautiful works come together and see the strong influence of Sonia Boyce through their work.

Students attending the 'Celebrating Sonia Boyce' exhibition on the opening day during Newham Heritage Month
Students attending the 'Celebrating Sonia Boyce' exhibition on the opening day during Newham Heritage Month
Students attending the 'Celebrating Sonia Boyce' exhibition on the opening day during Newham Heritage Month
Students attending the 'Celebrating Sonia Boyce' exhibition on the opening day during Newham Heritage Month

It was a fantastic experience to see my work on display and be part of celebrating Sonia Boyce's exhibition. We worked so hard on our artwork, and it was beautiful to see my art in the show amongst other creative artists.

Anonymous, Art student

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September 2025