She was well known for painting slightly larger ladies on a night out on the town, in short, tight dresses as well as enjoying other frivolities. Beryl Cook’s humorous take on the human race created a very big following for this talented lady. She was been lucky enough to be on TV, had films made about her, was made an OBE and all because a friend who owned an auction in Plymouth persuaded her to sell some of her art in their shop!
Clubbing In The Rain by Beryl Cook
She was born in 1926 and did not show any artisitc talent in her youth. However, in 1943 she was a showgirl in a touring production called “The Gypsy Princess” and that, coupled with work experience in the fashion industry, was her inspiration and caused her fascination with the way people look and dress. This we can clearly see in her art.
Hen Night by Beryl Cook
Later, while living in Plymouth with her husband, she used to go out to bars and clubs where they enjoyed watching the flamboyance of drag shows. This was another inspiration which has affected her style in her art work.
Panto Dame by Beryl Cook
Beryl Cook’s work was first exhibited in 1975 and was highly successful. In fact, it was so successful that an article was done in the Sunday Times about her works shortly after, followed by a call from a London Gallery who offered Beryl her first ever London Exhibition, and the rest is history!
Tarzanogram by Beryl Cook
She has said that other artists that have inspired her work include Stanley Spencer and Edward Burra.
Beryl recieved an OBE in 1995, and even contributed to the Queens Golden Jubilee exhibition in 2002 which was another great success for her.
Finally, she has been televised several times, whether they be in animation form, documentary or Chat show:
A film was made about her for The South Bank Show.
2 half hour animated films were made about her with an all star cast which was called “Bosom Pals” This also won some awards for Beryl.
Also, in 2005 Channel 4 did a short film about her work, and in 2006 BBC featured her in a show called “Art School”.
Sadly, Berly passed away in May 2008. But she lives on through her many fans and her sense of humour will forever be visible in her work.
Click here to see The Guardians obituary for this talented lady
Thanks for reading
Vicki
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