Parenthood: The Art of Caring
3rd – 20th September 2026

"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself."

- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Tom Cox Gallery is delighted to announce Parenthood: The Art of Caring, a group exhibition exploring how parenthood shapes artistic practice, identity, and everyday life. Bringing together artists whose work engages with parenthood through lived experience and reflection, this exhibition explores the many dimensions of becoming and being a parent.

“This exhibition considers the evolving realities of caregiving, the ways children enter and influence creative practice, and the ongoing negotiation between nurturing our young ones and holding space for oneself. Both deeply personal and profoundly universal, parenthood is shaped by moments of uncertainty and change alongside immense joy, love, and connection.”

- Tom Cox, Gallery Director, Artist and Dad

Through a range of artistic perspectives, the exhibition celebrates the tenderness, resilience, and transformative nature of caregiving, reflecting on the many ways it shapes our lives. Spanning painting, drawing, photography and limited edition prints.

Crystal Palace is a cultural hub teeming with artists and young families and being in the heart of it, Tom Cox Gallery wants to reflect the lives of those around us. This exhibition offers an opportunity to come together and reflect on the beauty and challenges of family life. 

We want this exhibition to be more than a passive experience, so we have a variety of featured events to engage audiences including art classes, parental-leave coffee mornings, and a participatory artwork created by those who visit the exhibition.

Featured Artists: Mark Charlton, Tom Cox, Florence & Co, Amy Gardner, Laxmi Hussain, Heun Jung Kim, Emily Jolley, Love Jordan, Ben Newman, Anna Pieniazek, Ella Starling, Anna Sudbina, Joseph Thomas.

Parental Leave Coffee Morning

Thursday 10th September, 10 am - 12 pm.

Drop by the gallery for a complimentary coffee, some pastries, and a chat with local parents. If you missed our private view because of childcare, this is a great chance to meet other parents on leave and see the exhibition in a relaxed, child-friendly environment. Babies welcome!

Drop in - no booking necessary.

Figurative Drawing workshop with Laxmi Hussain

Sunday 20th September:, 10am - 12pm

Join artist Laxmi Hussain for a figurative drawing workshop at our Crystal Palace gallery.

Channel your inner Matisse, learn simple techniques and create your very own figurative line drawings.

Two sessions: 10am & 11am start times. Limited capacity (early booking advised).

Adult Tickets: £10, Children under 12: £6

Click here to book.