Review: Art Created By a Mother and Daughter On Display At The Guildford Institute

Published on: 31 Oct, 2026
Updated on: 31 Oct, 2026

The works on display are inspired by the Hampshire landscape

By Jason Blackwood

A new exhibition called ROOTS is taking place at the Guildford Institute. This is a mother and daughter collaborative exhibition by Tricia Porter and Lauren Pruen. They have previously had exhibitions at The Nutshell, Winchester, and St Bride’s Foundation, Fleet Street.

Their works are inspired by the Hampshire landscape where they live. Both have sought to capture the county’s diverse and fragile natural beauty through their artwork.

Tricia is an established photographer whose landscapes, photojournalism, commissions and portraiture are well known. Lauren’s textiles of plants are unique and beautiful. They are made to represent visibly the plants from which they are based. Sometimes one has to double check what you are seeing is a delicate flower in a frame or a detailed piece of sculpture.

Tricia says: “It’s exciting to be sharing our work at the Guildford Institute. We hope to inspire appreciation for the everydayness of our natural world.”

Craft and textiles as an art form: one of the works on display

Lauren adds: “I love making things and am fascinated by how they are created. By using craft and textiles as an art form, I can explore their rich social and historical connotations.”

ROOTS is an interesting and imaginative exhibition, displaying a combination of the scenic and factual photography with the complexity and sophistication of the craft of textiles. And being in the busy Guildford town centre there is a contrast with the quiet, lush Hampshire landscape. The exhibition continues at the Guildford Institute Café until November 23.