The phrase “One picture is worth a thousand words” has been in existence since the early 1900s and a recent exhibition sought to explore how visual imagery and artefacts can powerfully convey the narrative, history and legacy of family businesses. Organised by the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum, a partnership between Harbinson Mulholland and Ulster University’s Centre for Sustainable Family Enterprise, this unique exhibition entitled ‘The Faces of Family Business’ ran from 27th to 29th November on Ulster University Belfast campus.
Eleven family businesses submitted photographs and artefacts that they felt best represented their story, history and essence of what it means to be a family in business. Family business forms the backbone of our economy, but also the social fabric of our communities and this exhibition sought to shine a light on the power of story through imagery.
These images and artefacts often have deep historical and cultural significance, representing the roots and traditions of the family business. They serve as tangible links to the past, connecting the present generation with their ancestors and the origins of the business. This connection to heritage can be a source of pride and inspiration for family and non-family members alike.
Dr. Ian Smyth from Ulster University Business School “We were delighted to be able to host this unique exhibition and bring together the family firms that took part. Imagery can be a powerful tool to link the past, present and future and in hosting this exhibition we wanted to showcase the best of what being a family business represents and the richness and diversity of the stories on show here – stories worth unlocking through imagery.
“We are grateful for the support of Belfast School of Art and Frances Smyth (designer) in curating this unique exhibition. Most importantly, we thank the family firms who have taken part”.