Skip to main content
Bradford College

Beth makes Northern Lights glow in Sunbridgewells

Northern Lights-inspired artwork painted by Bradford School of Art graduate Beth Menzies is on display at a city centre arts and photography exhibition.

Beth, who studied Visual Arts, is now showcasing the beautiful work as part of Sunbridgewells Christmas Art Exhibition.

Beth, 43, who lives in Bradford and has two children, explained the inspiration behind her work: “I was doing a project on inner beauty in 2019 and wanted to show inner beauty externally. There is beauty in everything on this planet, not just people and nature. I think for me, it is showing appreciation for the beauty that is all around us.

Why only have the seven colours of the rainbow when you can have the full spectrum?

“In lockdown everything seemed monotone and dreary. I feel why only have the seven colours of the rainbow when you can have the full spectrum, perhaps even find an undiscovered shade? Life doesn’t have to be monotone. be grateful for what you have. To me Northern Lights gives me hope for a better tomorrow. The spectrum of colours is perhaps a reminder that pandemic will end at some point; nothing lasts forever. The rainbow is a symbol of hope; the Northern Lights is the next level of reassurance.”

This is the second time this year Beth has had her work shown in the unique venue. In September she and fellow Bradford School of Art student Peter Hodgson had their work on show in the Sunbridgewells Arts Trail.

Beth is now studying to become an art teacher at Bradford College.

See the Christmas Art and Photography Exhibition

Running until Wednesday 22 December, the festive display also features works by fellow Bradford artists Catherine Gilford, Jillian Morgan and Ian Maxwell. As well as looking at the artwork, visitors will have a chance to buy them.

There will also be a chance to meet all the artists at the venue on Saturday 18 December from 7pm.

Sunbridgewells provides an atmospheric space to view art. The labyrinth of tunnels are the remnants of Bradford’s former demolished courthouse and gaol. Now people can visit bars, restaurants and shops in the setting.

You can find out more about the Sunbridgewells Christmas Art and Photography Exhibition at https://www.sparklingbradford.info/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=3650950&feature=1002

#CollegesWeek2025: How Bradford College is Helping Build an NHS for the Future

  6 days

Bradford College has established itself as a key player in supporting the National Health Service (NHS) workforce by providing health & social care education and training to hundreds of young people and adults. Here, we outline how Bradford College supports not only the local NHS Trust in Bradford, but also how we work with NHS […]

2024 MasterChef Champion Hosts Guest Dinner at Bradford College

  7 days

The Grove Restaurant & Bar was once again the home of food wizardry this Monday, as Daniel Merriman put on a show for invited guests. Those in attendance, including Councillor Beverley Mullaney (Lord Mayor of Bradford) and Shannon Palmer (Food Influencer), were treated to a showstopping three-course meal prepared by Daniel and Level 3 Professional […]

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Practice-ward-scaled.jpg Bradford College