Exhibition by villagers pays tribute to much-loved artist

mmilehamchappell@thekmgroup.co.uk An Ashford village is holding an exhibition and sale of artwork by a former resident as a tribute.

Mary Want, an artist who lived in Hamstreet, was the former president of the Romney Marsh Art Society and her work often featured the Marsh countryside.

Villagers from Hamstreet and surrounding areas are lending around 100 of their paintings by Mrs Want to the exhibition which pays tribute to the much-loved artist who passed away last month and was a central part of the community.

Mrs Want began her career as a commercial artist and illustrated cards and books.

One book, “Oh Knickers”, will be on show at the exhibition with a few of the unmentionables featured in the book.

Her husband, Peter, taught at the former Duncan Bowen School in Ashford but later became a Methodist minister, serving churches around Ashford and Romney Marsh and died in 2012.

A large number of framed and unframed paintings will also be available to purchase, and income from these will form part of her estate.

Two paintings will be raffled to raise money for Dementia Friends.

Admission is free, with donations welcomed to help cover event costs with additional money going to the charity.

The plan to hold an exhibition originated when Mrs Want moved into a care home in Suffolk. Her funeral takes place the same week as the exhibition.

The exhibition is this Saturday and Sunday at Hamstreet Primary Academy from 10am until 4pm both days.

Artist Mary Want and some of her work