Big Jeff self-portraits to go on display in Bristol Beacon

Big Jeff will display a series of self portraits during the opening fortnight of Bristol Beacon

A new exhibition by a well-known gig-goer and artist will help relaunch a concert venue.

Jeffrey Johns, known as Big Jeff, will display a series of "inspiring" self portraits during the opening fortnight of Bristol Beacon.

The venue opens on 30 November after undergoing a five-year renovation.

Mr Johns, whose paintings reflect his recovery from severe burns last year, said it was "a privilege" to be a part of the venue's reopening.

"Being the first artist to exhibit is a real honour," he added.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Beacon has changed as a venue and how new spaces have been utilized and opened up."

The Bristol Beacon, previously known as Colston Hall, closed in 2018.

Painting 'I Cry For You' will be on display as part of the exhibition

More than a million hours have been put into the refurbishment of the hall, which will be run by Bristol Music Trust.

Mr Johns, a lover of live music who is known for attending hundreds of gigs each year, spent months in hospital following a fire at his flat in June 2022.

He had several operations and procedures to minimise the long-term effects of his burns.

"My recovery is going okay and I much prefer this weather. The summer months are tough when it's hot," he told the BBC.

'Truly inspiring'

"The pandemic was a difficult time for everyone but I often felt very lonely, painting how I was feeling on that day was a way of connecting with those emotions.

"I was unsure after the accident if I might be able to paint again so I began working with the physios to get me to stretch whilst painting one of my faces on the window at Southmead Hospital."

The artistic director at Bristol Beacon, Todd Wills, described the exhibition as "truly inspiring and not to be missed".

Big Jeff worked with physios after the accident to paint again, including on the window at Southmead Hospital

The Bristol Beacon has worked alongside male mental health group Talk Club, Claremont School, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Dan's Fund For Burns to raise awareness of mental health struggles, disability and injuries.

The collection, which is expected to encourage people to look beyond disability and appearance to the person behind it, will be on display and free to visit in the venue's Glass Room throughout its opening fortnight, from 2 to 10 December.