Kennet Valley Artists

An Introduction to the Kennet Valley Artists

The group was formed in June 1993 by Barbara Feuillade-Cole, a local well known artist, who wanted to bring together a group of accomplished artists to hold exhibitions of their own work. Barbara, who teaches Art Classes for adults at Hurst Community Centre, Baughurst and has taught for Saga and other holiday companies, in fact did not have to look any further than to some other ex 'pupils'. They had developed, through her tuition, their own talents to such a level that she was confident that the group could successfully mount exhibitions as a joint venture. Individually the ex 'pupils', Jane Baikie, David Egerton M Swann, David Nicholls, Toni Peace, Penny Pinkard and Margaret Webb had already sold works locally and on commission for display abroad, in places as far afield as Chile, Australia, United States of America and Europe. Each artist brings their own unique style to the group covering water-colours, pastels, oils, pen and ink drawings and silk painting with batik. The subject matter ranges from landscapes, still life to architectural works.

The first two day exhibition held in November 1993, justified Barbara and the group's faith in their ability, demonstrated by the number of red dot sold stickers, reinforced by complimentary articles in the local press.

2003	2004
2005	2006

Jane Baikie has been painting for a number of years, primarily in pastels. Initially she joined Barbara FeuiIlade-Cole's classes at the Hurst Community School, to learn how to use a box of pastels she had been given. Jane has also been attending pastel classes run by Christopher Assheton-Stones. Originally trained as a potter, Jane works in her own workshop at home. She teaches adult pottery classes, runs children's pottery workshops and an art group in Kingsclere. Jane has exhibited many times with the Kennet Valley Artists.

David M. Egerton Swann first started using watercolours in pursuing a career in architecture in the 1950's. Subsequently painting for pleasure after a lapse of a few years, using a number of different media. David attended classes under Peter Folkes at Southampton and with Barbara Feuillade-Cole locally. He is a current committee member of Tadley and Baughurst Art Club and runs a small studio specialising in painting, pottery and ceramics.

Barbara Feuillade-Cole studied at Camberwell College of Arts and Crafts and is a qualified tutor in Adult Education. She also tutors for painting holidays at home and abroad. It was through her classes that the members of the Kennet Valley Artists met. Barbara's paintings are hanging in homes in many parts of the world including the USA, New Zealand, Greece, Malta and France. She has had one woman shows in many parts of the British Isles and taken part in many other exhibitions at home and abroad.

David Nicholls, who lives locally, has been painting for 25 years in oils. watercolours. pen and wash, pastel and, chromacolour. Along with other members of the Kennet Valley Artists, David's association with Barbara Feuillade-Cole goes back a long way.

Toni Peace, is one of the original founding members of the group, who also has long associations with Barbara Feuillade-Cole and like others in the group a member of one of her Art courses. Toni works mainly in watercolour, bringing to life a number of subjects. She has exhibited successfully in one woman shows and at previous Kennet Valley Artist exhibitions.

Penny Pinkard, a graduate of Bourneville School of Art, has used a variety of methods and mediums over the years. Penny has attended classed with Barbara Feuillade-Cole at the Hurst Community Centre. which is where most of the group first met Barbara. She is currently at ease in watercolours and silk painting, uniquely combining this with embroidery highlights. Penny takes inspiration from the natural forms so evident in the Kennet Valley. She has successfully exhibited with the Kennet Valley Artists and has shown her work in the local area and in the Midlands. Penny has also followed in Barbara's footsteps, teaching Art for Pleasure at the Hurst Community Centre.

Margaret Webb has always been interested in arts and handicrafts from an early age She only began painting in the late eighties on joining Barbara Feuillade-Coles's evening classes at the Hurst Community School. Since then she has exhibited at many local shows and craft fairs with much success. Margaret paints mostly in watercolour, but also works in pen and wash, pencil and oil pastel. Much of her work is commissioned; many of which have been taken abroad, including Australia, USA, France and Chile. Margaret has exhibited at all of the Kennet Valley Artists shows.