Lydia Ridley
Lydia Ridley (b. 2005) is a figurative artist based in Doncaster. She works in traditional mediums, primarily exploring religious and mythological aesthetics in her subject matter. Her use of symbolism and dark imagery reflect themes of homoeroticism, queerness, mortality and identity.
Ridley graduated with an A* in A Level Fine Art from her local college in 2023. She has since showcased in various exhibitions and created The Ridley Art Mail in 2025, sending prints to hundreds worldwide each month. Her current focus is refining her style, particularly within oil painting.
Lydia Ridley
Lydia Ridley (b. 2005) is a figurative artist based in Doncaster. She works in traditional mediums, primarily exploring religious and mythological aesthetics in her subject matter. Her use of symbolism and dark imagery reflect themes of homoeroticism, queerness, mortality and identity.
Ridley graduated with an A* in A Level Fine Art from her local college in 2023. She has since showcased in various exhibitions and created The Ridley Art Mail in 2025, sending prints to hundreds worldwide each month. Her current focus is refining her style, particularly within oil painting.
The Accusation of Joan Jurdie
Oil on Canvas
70 x 60 cm
Inspired by Joan Jurdie, The Accusation of Joan Jurdie is an exploration of misogyny throughout history and heritage. Known as 'The Witch of Rossington', a home Ridley shares with her, Jurdie was accused of witchcraft in 1605 and 1608. Her story is an example of how societal ideals are used to persecute women, a relentless issue still.
This self portrait is an acknowledgement of the connection between now and then: a contorted female form in open rebellion despite her vulnerability, clawing at her constraints. The similarities between today and 400 years past, how violence against women is allowed to persist.
