Exhibition: Belated glimpse of a hidden talent

Jan 10 2008 by Philip Key, Liverpool Daily Post

OVER the last decade, Elizabeth Earnshaw has created some wonderful art works in her Blundellsands home.

Working in the ancient tradition of stained glass, her Art Nouveau wall panels were beautiful pieces of art. But few people ever saw them: she never liked to sell them but filled the walls of her home with them.

Then, last November, she fell ill with lung cancer, and she and her family decided it was time for an exhibition.

Her sons Ben and David worked on the show with help from their father Taylor Earnshaw, a full-time artist divorced from his wife.

With time running out, it was agreed to bring the exhibition date forward to this Sunday.

But it was too late. Elizabeth died on Christmas Day, aged 63.

But the family has decided to go ahead with the exhibition which, as agreed, would be for one day only in Elizabeth’s home in Merrilocks Road. The private view will be attended by friends and artists.

Taylor is convinced the work is of the highest standard. “But I suppose I am a little biased.”

My preview, however, confirms his opinion. The intricate work is colourful, superbly designed and reminiscent of the Art Nouveau of the early 20th Century.

It was not until her divorce that Elizabeth took up art with a passion, studying full-time then creating pieces in her own style.

Each was very different, two birds in a tree on a circular plaque, chic women on rectangular boards, a merry-go-round horse, a face in a mirror, religious images – the imagination was endless.

Taylor admits it was not necessary to hang an exhibition at her home, it was already there.

“There was no time to organise an exhibition elsewhere, but I know Elizabeth was really looking forward to this private view,” he said.

He hopes now her work has become more public there will be an opportunity to stage an exhibition in a gallery.

Elizabeth always had a well- developed sense of humour, he says. On her sick bed, she joked she hoped it would not be a retrospective exhibition. Sadly, that is what it has become but one that, ironically, brims with life.

philkey@dailypost.co.uk