Izzy's tribute to artist mum

The daughter of a Yorkshire artist has organised a special exhibition to raise funds for a mental health charity in memory of her late mother,

The Julia Clutterbuck Memorial Exhibition runs until Saturday March 31 and features some of Yorkshire’s most accomplished artists.

It has been organised by Julia’s 19-year-old daughter Izzy.

Julia, from Hornby Castle, near Bedale, had been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder a number of years ago. In April, last year, it took her life.

All the proceeds from a private view of the exhibition will go to the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, a leading UK mental health charity.

“I wanted to do something very special to celebrate my mother’s life and it seemed appropriate to hold an art exhibition. She loved painting, working mainly with watercolours, painting countless animals, both wild and pets, as well as Scottish and England landscapes around where we live,” explains Izzy. “During periods of her illness painting would bring her peace, at other times she found it difficult to concentrate, and this would frustrate her. Mum knew the power of mindfulness and loved to be absorbed in painting, as she did gardening and music. She was talented in all of them.

“While she was ill, during the last seven years of her life, she didn’t do as much art, but she would occasionally dabble, when she was feeling well in herself. It would give her a sense of peace,” said Izzy. “When mum was well, she loved parties, giving them and going to them. Sadly at other times the depression meant she did not want to leave home.

“The charity that we collected for at her funeral was the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. Dad and I thought hard about who we were going to support. We chose CWMT as it’s specific to mental health and promotes ideas and actions I feel are really crucial,” said Izzy.

Roger Clutterbuck added: “Julia had an amazing ability to teach and help those who thought they couldn’t paint. She was patient and brought out the best in them. I am hugely grateful to the artists for their contribution to the exhibition, and to the Zillah Bell Gallery, for showing such support and kindness. They are an extremely talented bunch of artists and we are humbled that they have agreed to be involved in the exhibition.”

The artists taking part in the Julia Clutterbuck Memorial Exhibition include: Susan Wilmot, Tania Still, Colleen Vaux, Susan Dugdale, Jane Kitching, Jane Thorniley-Walker, Michele Bianco, James Guinness, Mairi Hunt, Emerson Mayes, Lynne Moore, James Naughton and Robin Furness. For further information contact the Zillah Bell Gallery, Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1PQ.

Tel: 01845 522479.