News & Events

We are sad to bring you the news of the recent death of Gillian Ross Kelsey after a short illness.

Gillian was a long time member of the Lincolnshire Artist Society and served as Chair and Vice President. Born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Gillian studied at Camberwell Art School and later obtained an M.A. at Nottingham Trent University.

In her own words…

“I have been through many stages in the many years of my painting career, following my own route from figurative works towards abstract minimalism, where I continued to explore colour, shape and texture, styles and ideas.

I like to feel directly involved in the use of paint, using brushes and rollers in these paintings. I believe in allowing the paintings ‘freedom to paint themselves’ and ‘elicit a sense of surprise in me’ as they express themselves. I take it as far as I can and feel that expresses my way forward.”

My most recent exhibition ‘Are we there yet?’ sees landscape as a further starting point for creating something totally new in my studio, this gives further ideas for complex combinations of colour, light and hue. Materials and surfaces combine to interplay concentrating even more on the abstract elements of the paintings.

These compositions offer a glimpse of what I remember of those childhood memories with my parents and then with my own children when travelling to the seaside.

Gillian Ross Kelsey

A tribute to Edward Mayor

We have received the sad news that Edward Mayor died on Tuesday 24th September.

Edward was associated with the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society for many years and the author of our two LAS books. He was a loved and respected member of the Society and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his partner Jonathan, his family and friends at this sad time.

About Edward

Edward was born in Sheffield in 1947 and came to live in Lincolnshire almost 43 years ago. He was a scholarly man, an art historian, a writer and trained artist. He became a member of the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society and supported the arts in our County.

He had a close association with the Usher Gallery where he was a past Trustee and supporter of the Usher Gallery Trust. In Lincoln Cathedral he wrote a book about the Duncan Grant Murals. Edward also had a personal interest in English Cathedrals which led to his book ‘English Cathedrals: A Personal Pilgrimage’.

Edward’s home was in Woodhall Spa and he wrote about the local history. His books included ‘A Woodhall Spa Guide’ and a history of the Petwood House Hotel. To mark the 80th anniversary of Woodhall Spa’s unique cinema Edward wrote its story, ‘The Kinema in the Woods’.

Edward had a kind and generous nature and was always willing to share his extensive knowledge. He gave engaging talks on historical aspects of art and local history and led historical walks around nearby Kirkby on Bain accompanied by his little dog. There are appreciative comments online about Edward’s entertaining style of teaching history and for giving his time. He did similar things for the Society. On a coach trip to visit Ely he came with us giving everyone a hand-drawn map of the City and a talk about Ely as we travelled.

During his continued support for the LAS, Edward began writing a history of the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society. He gathered archival material and contributions from Society members, the Usher Gallery staff and many more Lincolnshire sources. His book ‘Lincolnshire Artists: One Hundred Years 1906-2006’ was launched at the LAS 2006 Centenary Show in the Usher Gallery.

His second book came ten years later, ‘Lincolnshire Artists: A Brave Decade 2006-2016’. Edward wanted this companion book to be a celebration of the excellence of work by members of the LAS. It includes personal accounts and art images from members who shared with him aspects and memories of their working art life. He said to us at the launch of the volume in 2016, “this has become very much YOUR book, reflecting YOUR words and feelings.” Both his books are now treasured by many.

Edward was a true LAS friend, we are fortunate to have his books as his lasting legacy.

Anne Wood – LAS Committee

Edward’s Books

Edward often shared his knowledge of local history by taking people on historical walks. He gave talks and illustrated them with his hand-drawn maps of the area. He often took his dog with him on historical walks around the Woodhall Spa area.

Some of Edward’s published books

If you would like to purchase a copy of the LAS books written by the late Edward Mayor, they are on sale in the foyer of the Usher Gallery.

Edward also wrote about the Duncan Grant Murals in a book published by Lincoln Cathedral.

Edward’s lasting legacy – his two books about the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society.