Doctors working at Salford Art Gallery on the project Derm,  2017 (image Joe Gardner)

​Helena Tomlin's work seeks to make visible feelings about loss and survival, creating new stories from old and asks 

'Has art a power to heal and become a metaphor for relationship?'

Questioning the ways in which histories are attached to collections of objects, textiles and photographs is central to each project; the tales and fragmented memories passed down by different generations taking the form of installations, texts, drawings, paintings and videos. They often explore the complex relationships between women, and usually involve other people in their making .

Projects take place in many different spaces and include The University of Manchester Dermatology Research Centre, The Pankhurst Centre, Manchester, Spurr House Day Care Centre, Bury, education centres and regional museums. 

Exhibitions in the UK and Europe, include at Cornerhouse Manchester, Kultur Bunker Cologne, The University of Manchester and Bury Art Gallery.