Growing Anyway is a detailed visual snapshot of the current political and social landscape in Britain, created by David Borrington. At the centre of the artwork stands Rupert Lowe holding the Union Jack, independent and unaligned, embodying conviction and accountability in the face of Westminster theatre.

The drawing explores the contradictions, satire, and pressures of contemporary politics, full of deliberate details that bring the narrative to life. In the bottom right, a symbolic lifeboat is filling with ex-Labour ministers and other disgraced politicians, including Lord Mandelson preparing to board, representing figures who have lost credibility but still try to influence the system. Keir Starmer is depicted scrambling with emergency St George crosses to convert the red flag of Labour for appearances, while Shabana Mahmood performs mental gymnastics navigating party pressures, and David Lammy looks confused. Nigel Farage appears as a king, crown on his head, symbolising a controlled opposition fully integrated within the elite Westminster establishment.

A hot air balloon floats above, held up by foreign energy influences, carrying Yvette Cooper in the basket while her husband observes from outside. Ed Miliband is restrained by Alex Soros, reflecting subtle behind-the-scenes pressures that shape political action. The Green Party leader is depicted in a Donald Duck outfit with a watermelon, highlighting the contrast between public messaging and underlying ideology. Meanwhile, the mainstream media cages are emptying, symbolising the diminishing control of traditional news over public perception.

The artwork also celebrates broader British identity. Tradespeople, families, religious leaders, and communities appear throughout the composition, emphasising the collective strength, civic responsibility, and shared values that underpin the nation. While the political theatre unfolds, the drawing reminds viewers of the long history of English independence and accountability, connecting contemporary events to centuries of legal, social, and cultural development from the barons of the Magna Carta to early parliamentary reformers.

Growing Anyway is a snapshot of the present moment, showing political chaos, media theatre, global influence, and domestic life. It does not promote any single viewpoint but documents the dynamics of the time. The artwork captures the potential for independent action and accountability, showing how individual figures and society together shape the nation’s future.

Available Editions

Limited Edition Digital Archive Print – £250
Run of 100 prints, numbered and signed by David Borrington. These high-quality digital archive prints preserve the detail and integrity of the artwork. 40% of proceeds go to The Islander, supporting independent journalism.

Selenium-Toned Silver Gelatin Print – £1,700
Limited edition of 22 prints, signed by David Borrington and Carl Benjamin, director of The Lotus Eaters. These selenium-toned silver gelatin prints combine traditional photographic craftsmanship with the original digital artwork, producing exceptional depth, richness, and permanence. 40% of proceeds go to The Islander.

Learn more about the print editions and the craft behind them, including the Selenium-toned Silver Gelatin and Limited Edition Digital Archive prints.