RETIRED chemistry teacher turned textile artist Helen Winthorpe Kendrick has concentrated on what the ancient Greeks considered the four essential elements of life for her first solo exhibition at The Witham, in Barnard Castle.
Air, Earth, Fire and Water is a collection of wall hanging pictures on show throughout June at the centre’s gallery.
Ms Kendrick's love of art was nurtured when she studied at college in Warrington when her two children were small and it was there she learnt how to embroider.
Moving to the North East, she went on to teach at Polam Hall, in Darlington, and Emmanuel College, Gateshead.
But her love of textile art endured. Some 15 years ago, a couple of pieces of her work formed part of a display at The Witham by the Embroiderers’ Guild and she has also previous shown as part of a joint exhibition at the arts centre. She has also shown with a textile group in Halifax and elsewhere around the country.
“I have always been artistic,” she said.
“I suppose it goes all the way back to primary school when I was about nine and the teachers encouraged me.”
She added: “I am always interested in the story in my pieces.
“It’s the story that gives me ideas.
“Even when I do a commission I listen to what they want and why they want it.”
Next up for Ms Kendrick, who lives in Middleton St George, near Darlington, is an exhibition in the Crown Street Gallery in town, although this has been put back to next year while the venue undergoes some urgent repairs.
Admission to Air, Earth, Fire and Water, at The Witham, is free during centre opening hours.
