Sofia Barton Pop-up Shop
Sofia Barton's Shop2 takeover celebrates the "hidden" heritage and community leaders of our region, showcasing the vibrant work from her celebrated ‘Trailblazers’ mural, commissioned for the new fleet of Tyne and Wear Metro trains.
The Project: Art Rooted in Archive
Sofia Barton’s work is the result of deep dive research into the Tyne and Wear Archives and a collection of oral histories. By blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary storytelling, Barton portrays the unsung heroes or the “Trailblazers”, who have shaped the North East’s social, political and scientific landscape. She brings these stories to life through a visual identity deeply inspired by her Punjabi heritage, utilising a palette of vibrant, joyful colours to celebrate their enduring legacy.
Visitors to the space will encounter a visual journey exploring:
The Activists: The fierce spirit of Suffragette Kathleen Brown, the political fire of Ellen Wilkinson (leader of the Jarrow Crusade), and the pioneering anti-racism work of Dr. Hari Shukla.
The Community Builders: The legacy of Koon Kiu and Peter Cheng, who founded Newcastle’s Chinatown, and the historic visit of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
The Pioneers: Naval architect Susan Mary Auld, world-champion paraclimber Abbie Robinson, and the beloved Newcastle drag queen Martin Greenfield.
Limited Edition Prints & Social Impact
Each of these 12 trailblazers from the mural will be celebrated as a new print. As part of the takeover, Baltic Shop 2 will stock an exclusive range of these signed, limited edition prints by Sofia Barton. These pieces allow visitors to bring a piece of North East history into their homes while supporting the local creative economy.
All of the works within the pop-up are available to purchase by using the Own Art Scheme. Own Art makes buying art easier by allowing you to spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan. To find out more contact us on 0191 440 4947or email shop@balticmill.com.
A Space for Community
In the spirit of the "Trailblazers" project, the shop will also feature unique artworks for sale from local community and charitable organisations connected to both Baltic and Nexus. This initiative provides a vital platform for marginalised voices, including disabled and neurodiverse artists, to share their own heritage and creativity. By highlighting these often-overlooked perspectives, the space becomes a true celebration of the North East’s diverse social fabric, ensuring that joy and artistic expression are accessible to all.
Sofia Barton
Sofia Barton is a multidisciplinary artist based in the North East, whose work serves as a vibrant bridge between her Punjabi heritage and her Newcastle roots. Deeply influenced by the "hidden histories" of the region, Sofia uses her art to champion social justice, gender equality and the diverse identities that shape our landscape.
Donate to keep Baltic free
As a registered charity, donations to Baltic are crucial as rising costs threaten our ability to
- Keep our exhibitions free entry and accessible to everyone
- Preserve support and opportunities for our communities to thrive
- Maintain our historical and iconic building