Guest Speaker Talk: Bob and Roberta Smith

Date: 25 September 2026

Time: 12:30 - 13:30

Venue: Chelsea Lecture Theatre AG06

Bob and Roberta Smith is the artist name of London-based artist Patrick Brill. Known for bold, hand-painted text works that combine humour, politics and a strong sense of conviction, his practice has long explored creativity, education, public life and who gets to feel included in the arts. Working across painting, installation, music and advocacy, he has built a distinctive career by staying independent, outspoken and committed to making work that connects with people.

For this talk, Patrick will share images of recent work alongside reflections on the build-up of his activities and career. Through this, students will hear more about the realities of sustaining a long creative life; showing up, continuing to make, responding to change, and holding onto your ideas even when they do not easily fit established expectations.

Keep Making

A story about independence, persistence and building a creative life

Join Patrick Brill, also known as Bob and Roberta Smith, for an honest reflection on the build-up of a long and varied creative career. Through images of recent work and stories from practice, he will explore what it means to keep making over time; staying committed to your ideas, navigating doubt and rejection, and building a life in the arts on your own terms.

Bob and Roberta website:THAMESMEAD CODEX at Tate Modern until 2 October 2022 - Bob and Roberta Smith