Debbie Todd to hold exhibition at Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Debbie Todd, a socially engaged portrait photographer based between Stanley and Consett, will present her debut solo exhibition at Bishop Auckland Town Hall in a show specially commissioned for the venue.

The exhibition, which runs from Monday (February 16) to May 15, brings together two bodies of work exploring identity, inclusion and belonging.

Debbie Todd (Image: Debbie Todd)

Ms Todd said: “The work shown at Bishop Auckland is rooted in proverbs and idioms that shape perceptions of people with different conditions, identities and lifestyles.

“By pairing imagery with language, the series encourages audiences to reflect on how everyday phrases can impact individuals and communities.

“The portraits represent people often misunderstood or excluded from mainstream media, offering space for recognition, understanding and inclusion.

Debbie Todd’s first solo show is at Bishop Auckland Town Hall (Image: Debbie Todd)

“This being my first solo show, I’m proud to share the work in a space that’s accessible to everyone.”

One of the featured works, The Meaning of Being Different, will be displayed on a large wall in the library and delves into identity, difference and the sense of belonging.

The second, titled Extra Ordinary, will be installed in the historic Strong Room.

Debbie Todd’s ‘Jimmy sat on a gate at Appleby Horse Fair’ was shortlisted for the British Journal of Photography’s prestigious Portrait of Brit (Image: Debbie Todd)

Timed to coincide with Down Syndrome Awareness Day on March 21, this piece highlights themes of disability, visibility and inclusion.

Ms Todd’s photographic practice champions equality through a fine-art style and close collaboration with marginalised communities.

Her aim is to foster empathy, inclusion and fair representation.

Debbie Todd’s photography explores identity, difference and belonging (Image: Debbie Todd)

A graduate of The Northern School of Art, she began her studies at the age of 38, earning a first-class honours degree in Photographic Practice in 2022, followed by a distinction in her MA in Arts Practice in 2023.

During her studies, Ms Todd won the Anjool Malde Award, was shortlisted for the Association of Photographers Student Awards and received the Judges’ Choice Award in the student category at the Bar-Tur Photo Awards.

‘Keep your nose clean’ Angela, Autoimmune (Medium) (Image: Debbie Todd)

She attended the awards exhibition in Berlin in 2023.

Her work has been shown at the Metrocentre, published as a book, and commissioned by MIMA for a 2025 exhibition.

She was also part of The Late Shows in Newcastle.

She was also shortlisted for the most recent British Journal of Photography’s prestigious Portrait of Britain Awards, with her image Jimmy sat on a gate at Appleby Horse Fair appearing in Portrait of Britain, Volume 8.

‘Lose your marbles’ Kirsty, Bipolar Disorder by Debbie Todd (Image: Debbie Todd)

She has also been shortlisted for the London Camera Exchange Photographer Awards for the third consecutive year and is in the running for the Photography Foundation Awards.

In addition to her photography, Ms Todd works in the care sector, supporting people with disabilities and looked-after children.

She also volunteers for Remember My Baby.

Her debut solo exhibition at Bishop Auckland Town Hall is free and open to the public, running from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

More information about The Northern School of Art’s creative courses can be found on its website.