We have received the sad news of the death of Sheila Bartl. Sheila was a Patron of the Society and supported us for many years. She was the wife of the late Antoni (Tony) Bartl who was a respected member of the Society and had a career in art tuition in the County.
In 2024 we approached Sheila and her daughter to approve a new LAS Artist Award for a pure abstract or abstracted artwork, 2D or 3D in memory of her husband Tony. The family were delighted to have the Bartl name remembered. It will now be a tribute to them both.
It is always sad to lose our Members and Patrons and our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sheila’s family and friends.
We are sorry to bring you the sad news that our Lincolnshire Artists’ Society member and dear friend Denise Hawthorne died last Thursday. It came as a complete shock to us and it will be a great loss to those who knew her. Denise was happy for many years to share her creative art experience and she taught and encouraged students of all ages. She has also served on the LAS management committee.
Denise was a kind, cheerful and generous lady… and an inspiration to so many. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family and friends at this sad and difficult time. We will keep you informed of further news when we receive it.
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.
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.
English CathedralsThe Woodhall Spa GuideThe Kinema in the Woods
Edward also wrote about the Duncan Grant Murals in a book published by Lincoln Cathedral.
The Duncan Grant Murals in Lincoln Cathedral
Edward’s lasting legacy – his two books about the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society.
We have received a message that Peter has died. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends at this sad time.
Phil Bowman, our previous Chair has written a touching tribute…
Today we heard the sad news of the death of Pete Moss. The Lincolnshire Artists’ Society has lost a true giant. Pete’s intricately glazed ceramics can be found well beyond the boundaries of this county and indeed this country. His skill as an artist craftsman was held in such high regard.
Operating with only one lung and a visage that had been modified many times from too many rugby scrums, Peter was an imposing figure. His bluff, irreverent cheekiness belied a caring generosity of spirit as many a former student could testify.
His passion for the arts extended beyond his studio to pass on skills to the next generation, sit in countless meetings and mentor so many people over the years that his contribution to the arts will be sorely missed.
Special thanks and thought to his wife Jan for her devotion and care of our dear friend.
Phil Bowman.
Memories of our friend the late Pete Moss, LAS President 1997 – 2015 at work with his art
