"I hated my stepmother. I remember standing with my sister at my dad's funeral feeling relieved that I would never have to see her or her family again. Four years after my dad died, I became a stepmother myself."— Clare Evans

On Friday 21 August 2026, STEPMOTHERS, a new exhibition by Clare Evans, opens at The Romantic of Margate. The exhibition marks the beginning of Evans' ongoing exploration of stepmother-hood through portraiture and conversation. The exhibition runs until 26 August.

Set within a converted Victorian fire station, the exhibition presents portraits of fourteen stepmothers, each accompanied by personal reflections from the sitter. Bringing together women from heterosexual and queer families, the work challenges familiar stereotypes and offers honest insights in experiences of a contemporary stepmother. Throughout the exhibition, a programme of free events, including drawing workshops and two drop-in portrait days, invites stepmothers and blended families to share their own stories and become part of the evolving project.

The idea came from Clare Evans’ own lived experience of becoming a stepmother and the process of coming to terms with a role she had previously understood through a very different lens. Painting other women in similar situations led to wider conversations about the complexity of occupying a place that can be deeply meaningful while still feeling culturally undefined or whether it even needs defining.

While millions of women occupy the role of stepmother, contemporary culture offers few meaningful images of them. Even the language surrounding the role can feel inadequate. Through portraiture in oil, acrylic and charcoal, Evans brings these women into view, celebrating the complexity of their experiences and creating space for them to be seen and heard.

21–26 August 2026

Curated by Clare Evans and Kit Griffiths

Private View: Friday 21 August 2026

The Romantic of Margate, 39–41 Sweyn Road, Margate

Gallery open 12-4.30 Sat-Wed

All events are free although donations welcome to support the growth of the project.