Tears of Gold: A Portrait of Pain, Courage and Hope

As we host Mars: War and Peace by Luke Jerram, a further exhibition, 'Tears of Gold' will run alongside it. Dean Simon says of Mars 'The theme of Luke Jerram’s vast artwork is War and Peace. We only have to turn to the daily news to see that the world is riven with war and violence and that in every situation around the world, innocent men, women, and  children suffer. As a Christian, I believe that God’s heart desires peace, for us to live in harmony with each other, whoever we are and whatever we believe. Contemplating this artwork with this in mind, knowing that as we stand under it, there is conflict somewhere in the world, is an opportunity to remember that humanity fails and also that peace is possible.”

At the heart of the powerful and deeply moving exhibition Tears of Gold are self-portraits by Christian women from northern Nigeria who have survived violent persecution. Created during a trauma healing programme run by Open Doors, these paintings helped the women process their pain and reclaim their dignity. Many include golden tears — symbols of the way God can transform suffering into hope.

Alongside these raw and honest works are portraits by British artist Hannah Rose Thomas, painted in collaboration with the women themselves. The result is a stunning and sacred space where trauma, beauty and faith meet.

Tears of Gold is part of Open Doors’ See. Change. campaign, which highlights the persecution faced by many Christian women — targeted both for their gender and their belief in Jesus.

Whether you come to learn, reflect, or pray, this free exhibition offers a unique opportunity to stand in solidarity with your persecuted sisters and hear their voices through the art they created.

The exhibition runs from 13 October - 2 November and will be available to see during general visiting hours alongside Mars.