about

Giles Whitehead is a multimedia artist, filmmaker, illustrator and creative facilitator based in West Malling, Kent. His work explores the relationship between place, memory and local heritage, often uncovering overlooked stories through painting, sculpture, illustration, film and community collaboration. Growing up on a Kent farm fostered a lifelong curiosity about the countryside, history and the changing landscape, influences that continue to shape his work today.

Working across a wide range of media, Giles creates projects that encourage people to look more closely at the familiar. Recent commissions have included an illustrated heritage film exploring Maidstone's industrial past, oral history and creative projects for museums, and collaborative community arts initiatives celebrating local stories and collections.

In 2026, Giles conceived and led Cabinet of Voices, an innovative project bringing together artists and writers to respond creatively to the collections of Maidstone Museum. The project culminated in a beautifully handcrafted artists' book, celebrating the hidden narratives behind everyday objects and demonstrating the power of museums to inspire contemporary creativity.

Giles has been exhibiting his artworks for over 30 years and regularly exhibits his work in solo and group shows in the southeast. He has had his films featured in the annual Moscow International Video Art Exhibition and been on the selection committee for the past two years. Giles is Artist in Residence at the Music@Malling Festival and illustrator for the acclaimed touring theatre company The Pantaloons.