A comprehensive exhibition showcasing the artistic legacy of Margaret Parker, a celebrated British artist who passed away in 2012, will open to the public at The Hub at St Marys in Lichfield. The showcase, which runs through January 31st, offers free admission to all visitors and presents a rare opportunity to view and purchase original works by an artist whose career spanned decades and earned national recognition. The exhibition features pieces from various periods of Parker's prolific career, highlighting her evolution as an artist and her significant contributions to the British art scene.
Born with an innate talent for visual expression, Margaret Parker received her formal artistic training in Sutton Coldfield, where she developed the foundational skills that would later define her distinctive style. Though she began her journey in the West Midlands, Parker ultimately became most closely associated with the Hull and East Ridings regions, where she produced much of her later, most celebrated work. Her artistic vision and technical mastery earned her prestigious accolades throughout her lifetime, including exhibitions at the renowned Royal Academy, an institution that represents the pinnacle of achievement in British art. Parker's work has been collected by several prominent institutions, with significant holdings at the Beverly Art Gallery and the University of York, where her pieces continue to be studied and admired by art enthusiasts and scholars alike.
The Hub at St Marys has transformed its gallery space to accommodate this significant retrospective, which includes a diverse array of Parker's works spanning multiple mediums and artistic periods. Visitors will encounter pieces that demonstrate her mastery of technique and her ability to capture the essence of her surroundings, particularly the landscapes and cultural heritage of the regions she called home. The exhibition has been carefully curated to provide insight into Parker's creative process and artistic development, offering viewers a comprehensive look at the trajectory of her career from her early training days to her mature works that earned her national acclaim.
What makes this exhibition particularly special is the personal connection behind its organization. Judith, Parker's daughter and a dedicated volunteer at The Hub at St Marys, has generously made her mother's works available for both display and sale. This remarkable gesture ensures that proceeds from any sales will directly support the charitable mission of The Hub at St Marys, a community organization committed to providing vital services and programs to local residents. Douglas Armour, the gallery curator at The Hub, expressed profound gratitude for this contribution, noting that it represents both a cultural gift to the community and a practical means of sustaining the organization's important work.
Armour emphasized the significance of bringing such high-caliber artwork to Lichfield, stating that exhibitions of this caliber are typically reserved for major metropolitan galleries. "We are indebted to Margaret's daughter Judith, a Hub volunteer, for the opportunity to not only display this fantastic body of work from a renowned artist, but to offer them for sale with proceeds going to support the charitable purpose of The Hub at St Marys," Armour remarked. He added, "It is a remarkably generous gesture and myself and the other trustees at The Hub are immensely grateful. We hope art lovers in Lichfield will enjoy this opportunity to appreciate Margaret's work and perhaps take the opportunity to own an original piece." The exhibition represents a unique convergence of cultural enrichment and community support, allowing local residents to engage with museum-quality art while contributing to a worthy local cause.
The exhibition is open to the public with free admission, making it accessible to all members of the community regardless of economic circumstances. Art enthusiasts, students, and casual visitors alike are encouraged to visit The Hub at St Marys to experience Parker's artistic legacy firsthand. For those interested in learning more about the exhibition, including viewing hours and special events, additional information is available at the organization's website, thehubstmarys.co.uk. This showcase not only celebrates the life and work of Margaret Parker but also strengthens the cultural fabric of Lichfield, demonstrating how community spaces can serve as vital bridges between artistic heritage and public engagement. The exhibition stands as a testament to Parker's enduring influence and the power of art to connect generations while supporting community wellbeing.
