Bryanston Art Teacher Appears on BBC’s Extraordinary Portraits

Bryanston School art teacher Jack Dickson recently featured on the BBC programme Extraordinary Portraits, presented by comedian and art enthusiast Bill Bailey. Tasked with creating a portrait of a life-saving railway worker, Jack captured the essence of Rizwan Javed MBE.

East Londoner Rizwan, who works for London Underground, has saved 29 people from taking their own lives over the past eight years. Describing himself as an ‘artistic magpie,’ Jack gathered insights into Rizwan’s life by observing him at work on the Elizabeth line and meeting his family. Rizwan also visited Jack’s studio in Blandford, Dorset, alongside Bill Bailey, where Jack began weaving together the remarkable threads of Rizwan’s story into a multilayered portrait that reflects his ‘humility and dignity.’

At the grand reveal, Rizwan and his family were visibly moved by Jack’s extraordinary artwork. ‘You’ve got magic in your hand – you’re truly gifted and it’s beyond anything I ever expected,’ said Rizwan, adding that he felt comfortable enough to share deeply personal things with Jack, some of which even his family hadn’t even heard. Honoured to have the opportunity to highlight such a significant journey, Jack remarked, ‘I feel humbled by what you have to say – it really has been a privilege to do this and tell your story.’

The portrait itself places Rizwan at the centre, reflecting his calm nature and remarkable ability to communicate with vulnerable individuals. Surrounding him is a lively, colourful background symbolising the bustle and noise of his job and busy life, a reminder of his quiet heroism.

Jack was also kind enough to answer a few questions on his exciting experience, his art, and his work at Bryanston:

What led to you appearing on the BBC programme?

I watched all 3 previous series and absolutely loved them. As an artist who likes to tell people’s stories I thought it would be amazing to be take part. When the last series ended I contacted the series producers and put my name forward for consideration. It was a longshot, and I didn’t expect to hear back from them, but after a few weeks they contacted me to say they might be interested. It was then a few months of to-ing and fro-ing, interviews and then waiting to see if what I did might suit any of their potential sitters. I finally got the call to confirm early in the summer last year.

What was the experience like being on the show and meeting Bill Bailey?

The whole experience was unforgettable. Meeting Rizwan and then hearing what he had done (and continues to do) was incredible. As soon as I met him I knew this was a story I had to tell and the more I got to know him and his family the more I felt I had to do him justice. It is very rare to get so much time with a sitter and to get to know every aspect of their lives – it was a real privilege.

The filming process was surreal but the producers and camera people were so easy to work with and so accommodating, it became very natural to have them around pointing a camera at you. Bill Bailey has always been one of my heroes and I’ve seen him live on a few occasions over the past 25 years. The old saying ‘never met your heroes’ just isn’t true. He was an absolute gent, very funny as you would expect, but also completely down to earth. It was a little surreal to be sat at home in Blandford having lunch with him but also strangely normal!

What’s been the impact of the show on you and your work?

Rizwan has had the biggest impact on me and I now have a friend for life. It has been amazing getting to know someone who is so humble but so extraordinary. His empathy, bravery and honesty are an example and the work he does raising awareness and opening up discussion about mental health is awe-inspiring. He and his family have been so kind to me and this has been a wonderful journey.

The painting I made of him was the most ambitious piece I’ve ever taken on and I think it has been a success. The show has obviously been great exposure for me and has resulted in a few interesting opportunities, but most importantly I hope I have managed to shine a light on a truly extraordinary person.

Through your role as an art teacher at Bryanston, can you spot any talented portrait artists coming through?

As a teacher I am always seeing amazing potential. Young people ask the most challenging questions and take risks in their artwork that adults often won’t. There are a few incredibly talented portrait artists but even more so that are talented artists (who might turn their hands to portraits on occasion). I can’t wait to see what journeys they take.