The Art of Sarah Biffin
Accompanying a major exhibition at Philip Mould & Company, Without Hands:The Art of Sarah Biffin presents the work of the remarkable 19th-century disabledartist who has been largely overlooked by art historians. This book and exhibitioncelebrate her art, life and legacy.Sarah Biffin (1784–1850) came from humble origins yet rose to fame in the 19thcenturyas an exceptionally talented miniaturist. As a working-class, disabled femaleartist, her artworks – many proudly signed “without hands” – are a testament to hertalent and life-long determination. Despite her prolific artistic output, Biffin’s life andwork has been largely overlooked by art historians – until now.Sarah Biffin was born with the condition ‘phocomelia’, described on her baptismrecord as ‘born without arms and legs’. She spent her childhood in her family homewhere she learnt to sew and write. Biffin was later contracted to Mr Dukes, who ran atravelling sideshow, where Biffin would write and paint in front of an audience. Thecrowds who turned up left with a sample of her writing included in the cost of theirticket.In her mid-twenties she began formal tuition with a miniature painter, WilliamMarshall Craig, and from 1816 she set herself up as an independent artist. Biffintravelled extensively, exhibiting her artwork and taking commissions all over thecountry, before finally settling in Liverpool. Throughout her long and successfulcareer, she took commissions from nobility and royalty, and recorded her ownlikeness across the years through exquisitely detailed self-portraits.Working closely with the project’s advisor – artist Alison Lapper MBE (born withthe same condition as Sarah Biffin 180 years later) – and consultant and contributor– Professor Essaka Joshua (specialist in Disability Studies at the University of NotreDame, Indiana) – this publication and exhibition seek to celebrate Biffin as a disabledartist who challenged contemporary attitudes to disability. It is fully illustrated andincludes original research.
