Returning Home: Artist Ian R. Pearsall Brings New Exhibition to Café Sobar

Opening Event & Auction ~ Friday 6th November 5pm-8pm

Known for his moody, atmospheric mixed-media paintings of Northern post-industrial landscapes and Staffordshire’s "Six Towns", Ian’s work captures the quiet grit and history of working-class communities. Using a rich combination of paint, charcoal, pastel, and bitumen, his canvases offer a powerful reflection on heritage and place.

For Ian, exhibiting at Café Sobar is more than just another show—it is a deeply personal return to Nottingham.

A Personal Connection

Decades ago, Ian arrived in the city to study Fine Art at Trent Polytechnic (now Nottingham Trent University). However, his early years were disrupted by personal struggles with alcohol, leading him to step away from his studies.

Having since overcome those challenges, Ian went on to develop a successful career as a fine artist. Upon returning to Nottingham years later, he discovered Café Sobar. Struck by its warm atmosphere and its core mission—providing a safe, alcohol-free community space and practical work experience for people in recovery—he felt an immediate connection to the venue and to Double Impact.

For Ian, exhibiting at Café Sobar is more than just another show—it is a deeply personal return to Nottingham.

Reflecting on his journey, the artist shares:

"Coming to Cafe Sobar this Autumn is an exhibition of the fruits of my landscape: my most current works. This exhibition marks a significant return to Nottingham for me. After a tour of possibilities, it became my first choice looking for a Degree course back then... it was a prestigious course and a thrilling prospect in an incredible city.

I lived here for four years plus a small spell working after graduating. The Waverley Building at Nottingham Trent Uni stands as much a landmark today as it did back then and was central to my time in the city."

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Recovery

Decades ago, Ian’s time in the city was interrupted by personal challenges. He explains:

"My years here were a thrilling continuation of, and significant progression of my creative thinking and experimentation with the added opportunity of experiencing design in an industrial context. It was a momentous and unparalleled social opportunity: a great and heady mix; lectures, clubs, theatre, travel, exhibitions, politics.

Woven into such a tumultuous mix came a family tragedy, the gravity of which along with my refusal to postpone the final year meant that ultimately, I left under a dark emotional cloud exacerbated by intoxication, and subsequent addiction as a destructive crutch."

"In my overwhelming desire to re-establish a creative zeal once again I clung to the maxim that in order to get through, and begin recovery I must first and unequivically desire to live, and relearn how to see. I carried the seeds of ideas for many barren years before I found my desire again in the place where I started my true creative journey, the fertile urbanscape of post-industrial Stoke-On-Trent and a cast of characters and collaborations that shaped, nurtured, enriched and put my passion for art and life back on the tracks."

"Being able to exhibit my personal work in collaboration with Cafe Sobar in support of recovery is an absolute catharsis - it is like coming home, from home. Here we are full circle."

Special Charity Art Auction

As part of the event's celebrations, Ian has generously donated a large, standout work to be auctioned live on the night to raise vital funds for Double Impact.  All of the proceedings will be expertly led by professional auctioneer and toastmaster Matt Biggin. While this incredible piece will be on display throughout the exhibition, you don't have to wait until November 6th to get involved—you can also view the artwork and place an online bid, full details will be published on our socials in the lead up to the event.

Visit the Exhibition

Running from Wednesday 21st October with an exclusive opening night and auction on Friday 6th November (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM), the exhibition will feature a selection of Ian's latest original works displayed throughout the café. All artworks on display will be available to purchase, with proceeds going directly to help Double Impact continue its vital work supporting individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction across the region.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, a supporter of local recovery initiatives, or simply popping in for a coffee, we invite you to drop by, view the collection, and support a brilliant cause.

Where: Café Sobar, 22-24 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DQ

When: Exhibition from 21st October; Opening Night & Auction on Friday 6th November, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Admission: Free