> John Byford
John Byford is an award-winning artist and photographer based in Skegness. His work focuses on people, place and community, often documenting everyday life along the Lincolnshire coast and beyond.
Over many years he has developed a wide range of creative projects that explore culture, travel and human stories through photography and public art. His images have been exhibited both in the UK and internationally, and his work has been published in books including Wanderlusting, a collection drawn from his travels across Europe and beyond.
John is also known for using art to build connections between communities. He has played a key role in strengthening the cultural relationship between Skegness and its German twin town, Bad Gandersheim. His long-running project Two Voices has brought people together through art, conversation and shared experiences, becoming a well-known feature in the town.
In recognition of his contribution to promoting the town, supporting community projects and championing the arts, John was awarded the title of Honoured Citizen of Skegness, one of the town’s highest civic recognitions.
Through his photography and public art, John continues to celebrate the character, history and people of Skegness while building creative bridges between communities across Europe.
> Steve Gould
Steve Gould is an artist and storyteller based in Skegness. His creative work combines visual art, illustration and storytelling, often inspired by imagination, local connections and a love of narrative.
Steve’s work frequently blends art and literature, creating projects that engage readers and audiences of all ages. Through his illustrations and writing he explores themes of friendship, adventure and creativity, bringing characters and stories to life in a distinctive and engaging way.
In recent years he has developed the “Tail of Two Towns” project, a creative initiative that connects Skegness with its German twin town, Bad Gandersheim. Through storytelling and illustrated publications, the project celebrates the friendship between the two communities and encourages cultural exchange through imagination, shared stories and cats.
Now in its second year, the project continues with the publication of The Princess and the Paws, a new story that builds on this growing creative link between the two towns.
Through his work as both artist and writer, Steve Gould continues to use creativity and storytelling to bring people together and celebrate the power of shared ideas.
Steve Gould