Contemporary Portrait Artist, Mick Hand, Supports the Mustard Tree with His Latest Works

We’re incredibly grateful to Mick Hand, who dedicated 10% of the net proceeds from The Champagne Room Sessions exhibition to the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre.

One of the portraits from the collection, ‘Alison’s Choice’, has also been selected for the Royal Institute of Oil Painters Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London, which is open now until the 13th December.

The story behind the project:

In February 2025, Mick began his second major Plymouth-based portrait series titled The Champagne Room Sessions, which celebrates the individuality of 15 residents from Plymouth. This project was created in a small annex situated in the garden of a residence in the Royal William Yard.

For Mick, portraiture is a collaboration process rooted in storytelling. He works closely with each sitter to create pieces that ‘don’t just capture a likeness but tell a story.’ Sitters were invited to bring or wear something meaningful to them—cherished books, beloved pets, and in one case, a striking red Louboutin shoe gifted by a husband. These details were woven into the oil paintings, adding layers of personality and narrative, and the stories behind them were displayed alongside the portraits and were written collaboratively with the sitters.

Mick knew he wanted this project to make a positive impact locally:

“It’s always a privilege to be trusted with people’s stories through portraiture. Supporting Mustard Tree felt very fitting for this particular project, because it's all about people, their lives and the value of community," he says.

On the 31st July, sitters, their families and guests gathered for an intimate preview event at the Royal William Yard, an evening filled with celebration. The exhibition then opened to the public until 10th August, welcoming many visitors. Staff from the Mustard Tree came to view the collection and say thank you.

The Mustard Tree team shared:

“We were honoured to have been chosen as the recipient of Mick’s extremely generous donation following the exhibition of his Champagne Room Sessions, which we were delighted to have been invited to. All donations received by The Mustard Tree are used to support cancer patients, their carers, and families.”

Further information about this project can be found at mickhandart.uk