A Suffolk artist has featured in the new series of BBC One’s Extraordinary Portraits.
Karen Turner recently appeared in series four of the programme which is hosted by Bill Bailey.
The series pairs individuals with extraordinary stories with celebrated portrait artists that create work to reflect and honour their subjects.
Karen Turner has featured in BBC One’s Extraordinary Portraits (Image: Emma Ledwith Photography) Mrs Turner was approached by production company Chatterbox and paired with Millie Anna Prelogar, who is an Instagram influencer, aspiring actress, model and advocate for people with down syndrome.
It was filmed between June and September 2024, and follows them as they meet and spend time together.
At the start of the episode Mrs Turner immersed herself in Millie’s life in Windsor and then they visit Mrs Turner’s studio in Eye in Suffolk.
Then they had a photography session at Eye Castle, where Mrs Turner captured reference images for the final portrait.
Karen Turner, Bill Bailey and Millie Anna Prelogar (Image: Chatterbox and BBC)
In the episode Mrs Turner’s shows off her style which challenges societal norms and celebrates women in larger bodies.
Reflecting on her experience, Karen Turner said: “Working with Millie was a privilege. Her energy, warmth, and confidence are inspiring, and capturing that essence in a portrait was both a challenge and a joy. Having Bill Bailey as an assistant for the day brought an added layer of fun – he had us in stitches and was a fantastic help during the shoot.”
“Art has the power to challenge how we see the world and ourselves, this series brings those conversations to a mainstream audience in such a meaningful way, and I’m thrilled to have been part of it.”
Karen Turner’s work has gained acclaim for addressing cultural expectations(Image: Emma Ledwith Photography)
Mrs Turner’s work has gained acclaim for addressing how cultural expectations constrain identity and ambition.
She joins a lot of other artists in the season including Roxana Halls, Stuart Pearson Wright, and Adebanje Alade, President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
All six episodes of the new season are available on iPlayer and the portraits are on display at Bradford’s new venue Loading Bay until April 6 as part of Bradford City of Culture.