14 Apr 08

Painting of Dame Kay Davies which is shown in the '50 Women of Substance' exhibition.

Professor Dame Kay Davies, Dr Lee’s Professor of Anatomy at Oxford University and Fellow of Hertford College, has been immortalised on canvas after being chosen by an acclaimed artist to form part of her ‘50 Women of Substance’ exhibition.

The honour comes just weeks after Professor Davies was honoured in a photographic exhibition as a ‘Woman of Outstanding Achievement’.

The exhibition by artist Tess Barnes is being held at Wolfson College between 21 April and 9 May and is sponsored by First Direct. It also features Baroness Susan Greenfield the first female director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain and Fullerian Professor of Physiology at Oxford University.

It will be opened by Professor Davies, who said: ‘I think this is a great opportunity to raise the profile of women who have broken through the glass ceiling in many different walks of life. The artist is a great enthusiast and it was a pleasure to be asked to participate in the project.’

Eminent Oxford alumni featuring in the 50 portraits include Catherine Hughes and Caroline Plumb. Catherine Hughes was formerly Principal of Somerville College and Caroline Plumb founded successful research and recruitment company, FreshMinds, after graduating in 2000.

The exhibition showcases 50 portraits of some of the UK’s highest achieving females and celebrates their contributions to society, arts, literature, and the sciences. The Oxford quartet is joined by British women ranging from TV presenter Carol Vorderman to MP Kate Hoey.

Artist Tess Barnes, whose work is defined by colour and non-conventional backgrounds, has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery and Mall Galleries and has permanent collections in Oxford University.

The exhibition, in aid of Breast Cancer Haven, is open at Wolfson College from 10am to 4pm daily subject to college commitments. Visitors are advised to ring the college lodge beforehand on 01865 274100.

An accompanying book, 'Women of Substance', will be available from Blackwell's in Oxford for £10 with £3 from each copy going to Breast Cancer Haven. 

Above: Painting of Kay Davies. Below: Painting of Susan Greenfield