A unique project that brings together art and business to celebrate a company’s 150th anniversary stopped in South Cumbria as part of a tour across the north.

The ‘Face Forward’ project captured the stories of 10 business leaders and clients of independent financial and business advisory company Armstrong Watson on canvas. The business teamed up with award-winning professional artist Helen Perkins and local publisher CN Group’s in-cumbria website and magazine to deliver the project.

After the initial unveiling in Carlisle on National Family Business Day on September 21, Armstrong Watson is now taking the portraits around Cumbria, Yorkshire, Northumberland and The Borders, so clients can learn more about the inspiring stories behind them.

The first stop was Carus Green Golf Course in Kendal, where Diana Matthews, chairman of Rayrigg Hall Estates in Windermere, spoke about her experience of being painted.

She said: “It’s a really different way to celebrate the anniversary. I have always been keen to support traditional crafts and being painted was a new experience for me. I was very nervous but Helen was terribly kind.”

Diana has been a client of Armstrong Watson since 1999 and has used a wide range of expertise to support the work of family business Rayrigg Hall Estates, which has been building homes for local people since the 1850s.

Managing partner Paul Dickson said: “It has been a good opportunity to share the project with our clients in the Kendal area and to hear the difference our team is making for them. There’s a real variety of businesses here – from small family businesses in retail to agricultural operations and major manufacturers. It says a lot about our appeal.”

Click here to learn more about the Face Forward project.