Artist Returns to Upminster Library 20 Years Later With Stunning New Exhibition

More than two decades after first exhibiting her artwork at Upminster Library, Essex artist Lisa Wade is returning to the venue with a striking new mixed-media exhibition celebrating architecture, history and the beauty of forgotten places.

The exhibition, Sites & Structures: Reimagined, will be on display at Upminster Library from 13–25 July 2026, showcasing a unique collection of photographic and encaustic wax artworks inspired by derelict buildings, historic landmarks and coastal landscapes.

Lisa, 45, from Romford, has spent many years documenting places that have been shaped by time, weather and abandonment. Her fascination with decaying architecture began while studying at Central Saint Martins in London during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when she regularly photographed abandoned buildings, industrial structures and burnt-out vehicles.

One of the most significant locations in her early work was Brighton’s iconic West Pier. During its final years before further storm damage and devastating fires, Lisa was able to explore the structure through guided tours organised by the West Pier Trust, capturing photographs that have since become an important part of her artistic archive.

Today, those images sit alongside a much broader collection of work inspired by locations across Britain and beyond, including Chernobyl, Whitstable, Leigh-on-Sea, and most recently Upminster Windmill.

Lisa’s artistic journey took a new direction after attending a one-day encaustic wax workshop, where she discovered the centuries-old technique of melting coloured beeswax onto paper using a small heated iron.

Inspired by the process, she began creating vibrant abstract works before experimenting with her original film negatives, combining photography with layers of translucent wax to create richly textured mixed-media pieces that transform familiar scenes while preserving their original character.

Lisa said:

“When I was at art college, I loved documenting derelict buildings and burnt-out cars. The colours and textures that appear on those surfaces really fascinated me. Now I combine my love of these kinds of places with the encaustic wax technique and my love of exploration and travel – so it has come full circle and brought everything together.”

Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to view Lisa’s latest works inspired by Upminster Windmill, alongside a colourful collection of her signature abstract encaustic paintings.

For Lisa, the exhibition is particularly special as it marks a return to the very place where she first showcased her encaustic artwork more than 20 years ago.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, photography lover or simply looking for something different to enjoy this summer, Sites & Structures: Reimagined promises to offer a fascinating journey through forgotten places, changing landscapes and creative reinvention.

Exhibition Details

📍 Upminster Library
📅 13–25 July 2026
🎨 Sites & Structures: Reimagined – An Exhibition by Lisa Wade

Admission is free during normal library opening hours.

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