At Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, we are thrilled to announce Pride of England, an extraordinary new exhibition by acclaimed artist Matt Small. But here is the challenge: this exhibition can only happen with your help.

The Pride of England exhibition relies on the success of our crowdfunding campaign to cover essential costs, from installation to public workshops. Without your support, this powerful celebration of community, diversity, and creativity cannot become a reality.

Matt Small explains the heart of the exhibition:

“This show’s main theme looks at the importance of community—how encouraging people to participate and contribute to a cause can generate a sense of purpose, connection, and ultimately, a feeling of belonging. It’s about the strength we find in unity.”

At the core of the exhibition are the Three Lions sculptures, made from old footballs donated by Ealing residents and adorned with messages from the community. These lions, which accompanied the England football team to EURO 2024, are not just works of art; they are symbols of teamwork and collective pride.

“The lions aren’t just symbols of the England team; they’re a testimony to the power of teamwork and belonging. They show that success comes best when we move forward together. The three lions are also the only big cats that work in a group—a pride. That’s how I see this project: a pride at work, a community contributing to its success.”

The exhibition goes beyond the sculptures, as Small emphasises:

“We’re also featuring large-scale portraits of Bukayo Saka and Chloe Kelly, two Ealing-born footballers who have achieved greatness. They represent the pride we feel for our local heroes. Alongside their portraits will be works of the EURO 2021 England team, a group that showed the strength of standing together through thick and thin. Their cohesion and resolve were examples of how a progressive, unified country can look.”

Public involvement is another cornerstone of the exhibition, with workshops and a community wall where visitors can share messages about belonging and unity.

“Art should bring people in—it’s about inclusivity. I want this exhibition to be a space where everyone feels they’ve played a part in its creation. The workshops will allow people to express themselves and realise that art is accessible to all.”