James Elliott showing Walter Elliotts Artwork

Pastels

Walter A Elliott 1926 – 2018

Walter was born in Wembley in 1926 and started his adult career as a Design Engineer for aircraft engines but spent most of his life living in North Devon and dedicated much of that life to being an Artist. After winning first prize for an art competition in 1948, Walter knew that Art was where his true passion lied, he therefore spent the rest of his adult life in North Devon, pursuing his love of painting. Walter went onto winning many other competitions and later became the co-founder of the Ilfracombe Art Society which he was president of for the rest of his lifetime. In 1991 he opened the Elliott Art Gallery in Braunton, which displayed much of his own work amongst many other local artists. These artists went on to volunteer in the gallery in order to keep it open when Walter was in ill health. He was always a keen advocate of local artists and his passion for art shined through with everything he did. However, he sold very few pieces in his lifetime which meant that he amassed a vast collection.

As well as displaying locally, Walter also exhibited in Galleries around the country and was accepted by the Royal Institute Galleries in London and was an elected member of the Pastel Society (amongst many other accolades). His preferred medium was Pastels and his styles varied from Portraits to Abstract Expressionism and his collection included the largest Pastel Tryptic in the World, named ‘the Ascent of Man’. This piece is so large that when it was displayed in the Mall Galleries, it had to be hung side by side as the ceilings were not high enough.

Since Walters passing, the collection was entrusted to some of his grandchildren and have been in storage ever since. However, whenever the opportunity arises, we like to show off his talents as it is a crying shame to have so much beauty locked away. Therefore, we have begun to reframe some of the paintings, it is our ambition to put on exhibitions in order to show off his collection, we aim to loan some of the larger pieces of art for businesses to display, and to also find some of them a permanent home, with people who will love them as much as we do.

For this reason, I am very pleased that we can join the Art Trail, that we have a fantastic venue for it, and that we will also be displaying alongside other well known local artists. Hopefully creating a diverse and interesting exhibition for all those that love art.

Many thanks

James Elliott