George Westren

In June 2022, George Westren became the unlikely subject of a viral news story reported by TV, radio and print media across the world. Westren, a relatively unknown artist living in a tiny housing association flat in Spitalfields, East London, had sadly died in July 2021 during the UK’s Covid lockdown, but it was not until a year later that a neighbour stepped in to prevent George’s portfolio of intricate op art drawings from being destroyed by a home clearance firm. The artwork went viral on Twitter, where Westren's story - of humble beginnings, homelessness, addiction and eventual salvation through art - touched hundreds of thousands of people. A small print sales run raised enough funds to preserve, catalogue and exhibit Westren’s artwork.

George Westren's 'On the Straight and Narrow' Exhibition was held at Saatchi Gallery between 6-25th January: https://www.saatchigallery.com/exhibition/straight_and_narrow__the_work_of_george_westren_2