Thalidomide @ 50 – Portraits of Survival and Resilience 
In 2006, I was commissioned by the Thalidomide Trust to create a series of 14 portraits, marking the 50th anniversary of the thalidomide tragedy. This powerful body of work, which became the Thalidomide @ 50 Project (2006-2008), commemorates not only the lives of those who survived, but also honors the memory of the many who did not. The portraits were first exhibited in September 2008 at the New City Hall, London.
The commission took me on a deeply emotional journey, as I met and listened to the stories of individuals who were affected by thalidomide, a drug initially marketed as a sedative and a treatment for morning sickness. The stories I heard gave me the inspiration to paint their portraits, highlighting the unique challenges and extraordinary achievements of a community whose members have lived through unimaginable adversity.

The Story of Thalidomide
Thalidomide was first developed by the pharmaceutical company Chemie Grünenthal in Germany in 1954. Marketed under the brand name Distaval in the UK from 1958, it was promoted as a safe treatment for anxiety and a remedy for morning sickness in pregnant women. However, the drug caused devastating birth defects when taken during pregnancy, leading to a range of disabilities including the shortening or absence of limbs, malformation of hands and digits, damage to sensory organs, and facial disfigurements. Internal organs, skeletal structures, and the brain were also affected in many cases.
The first thalidomide-affected baby was born on December 25, 1956, to an employee of Chemie Grünenthal in Germany, yet it took years for the link between the drug and birth defects to be widely recognized. In 1961, Dr. William McBride, an Australian doctor, publicly identified the connection, leading to the drug’s withdrawal. However, the damage had already been done—over 10,000 babies were born worldwide with disabilities caused by thalidomide, and tragically, many did not survive the birth or early years. Today, fewer than 3,000 survivors remain.

A Portrait of Strength and Survival
The portraits I created for the Thalidomide @ 50 Project are more than just representations of individuals who were affected by this tragedy; they are a testament to their incredible resilience. Each portrait encapsulates the story of someone who, despite the challenges presented by the drug’s devastating effects, has managed to overcome adversity, build fulfilling lives, and contribute to society in meaningful ways. Many of those I painted were living with disabilities that required immense perseverance and strength, yet they are also individuals who have achieved extraordinary things, breaking barriers and defying expectations.
This project is a reflection of the enduring human spirit, a celebration of survival, and a recognition of the ongoing fight for justice and recognition. Listening to the survivors' stories, I was moved by their courage and their will to live fully, often against the odds.

The Thalidomide Trust and Its Role Today
The Thalidomide @ 50 exhibition also served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing support provided by The Thalidomide Trust, an organization that provides financial support and care for the survivors of thalidomide. There are currently 426 people in the UK who are beneficiaries of the Trust. The exhibition brought greater awareness to the challenges faced by the thalidomide survivors, while also commemorating their strength and the progress they’ve made.

Remembering the Fallen
While the portraits celebrate the lives of the survivors, they also honor the thousands of babies who were lost due to thalidomide’s effects. The project serves as both a tribute and a memorial for those who never had the chance to grow up, as well as a call for continued acknowledgment of the wrongs caused by this tragedy.