A Wilmslow artist will be holding her first exhibition for over a decade, which will be officially opened by television presenter Davina McCall.
Bebb & Sekers Fine Art in Alderley Edge are proud to announce they will be hosting an exhibition of Iola Spafford's work.
Wilmslow resident Iola, born in 1930, was a student at the famous Slade School of Art from 1950 to 1954, where the emphasis was very much on drawing.
Gallery owner Lucy Sekers explains "This remains the basis for her pictures – still life, landscapes and seascapes in a delicate palette with strong composition and beautifully observed, painted in oils, watercolours and pen and wash."
Iola has been a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy since 1983, she is also a member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Art. Manchester City Art Gallery and Salford Art Gallery hold examples of her work. She has exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, has had eight solo exhibitions at the Tib Lane Gallery in Manchester and also exhibits in Snape near Aldeburgh.
Not only are Lucy and Roger Bebb excited about bringing Iola's work back into the public eye, but by a stroke of good fortune Davina McCall, a friend of the family, has kindly agreed to open Iola's exhibition on Monday 23rd April.
Lucy said "This is such a special opportunity for Iola; her work is known affectionately and respectfully by many older people in the area, but her pictures are timeless. Davina's support will bring Iola's work to a younger audience too."
For an invitation to Iola's Private View with Davina on April 23rd, or to join the mailing list for future events, please email your contact details to Lucy Sekers or call in at the gallery on London Road, Alderley Edge.
Iola's late husband George was a barrister in Manchester and a painter himself. He would accompany her on painting holidays, and the exhibition will also show some of his work.
