Caroline Wickham Smith, who runs Grasmere-based Beck Steps Gallery with her husband Matthew, happened across Till’s work by chance in Bristol. ‘Her skill was incredible and she produced the most wonderful, delicate shapes and colours. She was a very warm and friendly person, delighted to talk to us about the processes that went into making her porcelain ceramics,’ she reflects, speaking of Till’s happiness that her works would be exhibited in a Cumbrian gallery. ‘As a keen walker, it was a place close to her heart. Her porcelain lamps were stunning in our gallery’s windows – we all loved them. We feel honoured to have had her wonderful work in our gallery and will always think of her fondly.’
The Crafts Council is incredibly grateful to have received a generous donation of £2,000 plus Gift Aid in Meryl Till’s memory. The gift will support of the Let’s Craft appeal, which supplies art and craft materials to children in need across England. As part of her passion and commitment to craft, the artist was always keen to encourage children into creativity and spent many happy hours with her niece, Emelia, and with the children of her friends making clay vessels, painting and felting. Thanks to the gift that honours her memory, 250 children in need in the Bristol area will receive a Let’s Craft pack, so that they too can take full advantage of all the joy and wellbeing benefits that come with being creative.