University of Bath. Master of Science (MSc)
Conservation of Historic Gardens and Cultural Landscape.
Gloucestershire College of Art & Technology.
Fine Art BA with Honours
Design and Consultation from New Build to work on Historic sites. Providing C.A.D. (LT) and hand drawn plans, plus visual sketches. Previous experience includes hands on Landscaping, including bricklaying, herringbone brickwork and paving, flint work, working with lime mortar, making pergolas, ponds, planting schemes. Progressing more with the consultation and working directly with clients within a team of building professionals. R.H.S. medals awarded for designing and constructing Show Gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show and Gardener's World Live Show. Trustee of the Berkshire Gardens Trust. Trustee of Watlington House, one of the oldest secular houses in Reading (1688) Grade II*. Currently the Project Director of the garden re-creation within the walls of Watlington House.
Ref: Helen’s View: Helen Reid Stewart Hornby Lewis (1843-1926,30) lived at Danesfield House, now a luxurious Hotel and Spa, with her husband Arthur Hornby Lewis in the early years of the 20th Century. The house was built on an ancient settlement site set high on a steep cliff above the Thames between Marlow and Henley. Although Helen wasn’t deemed the most important owner in wealth or historical significance, she was perhaps the wealthiest of all as she loved the House and its gardens so much she wanted to be buried there when she died. Her Trustees followed her wishes and she was laid to rest at Danesfield, but they found it hard to sell the property with her grave on site. In 1938 her body was transferred to nearby Hambleden Cemetery - and her beloved estate was sold.
The view shows the mighty River Thames in all its glory. The iconic Lombardy Poplars stand like sentinels to a different world of hedge lined meadows and gentle hills. The sunlight reflects with a zest on the water as the river winds around the distant bend from Henley to Marlow. The wooded glades bend down to reaches clothed with the Autumn reds and oranges. The application of paint is fluid and expressive, with touch the water’s edge in subtle tones, the upper differing layers of texture and colour. An historic view, seen through the eyes of countless generations and most of all, loved and cherished by Helen Hornby.
*A remarkable lady and lover of beauty, Helen Hornby also left a bequest in her will to leave £10,000 to The National Gallery (HRS Hornby ref NG 21/15 S44)
The River Thames at Gatehampton 100x200cm Oil on linen
Beyond Goring Lock - 80x60cm - Oil on Canvas
Looking upstream to Cleeve on the Thames. A muted autumn day where the colours fight to be noticed and the waters are full and slow.
Frost in the woods, sun in the valley - Oil on canvas - 90x120cm P.O.A
Helen's View - From Danesfield House - 110x240cm Oil on linen
Danesfield House once the home of Helen Reid Stewart Hornby Lewis. This part of the river also has an extraordinary mention in David Brodie’s book ‘Last Train to Cockfosters’
Helen's View - The Thames from Danesfield House - Oil on linen - 110x240cm
Pollarded Willows - Seen from the Leatherne Bottel - 92x61cm - Oil on canvas
A row of pollarded willows. Looking downstream towards Goring on Thames. Across from The Leatherne Bottel - Always a favourite location.
First Light - 90x70cm - Oil on canvas - Not available to view in gallery
The view upstream on the Reading to Purley stretch on a peaceful June morning before the hustle and bustle of the Reading Amateur Regatta ensues. Thanks to Spencer Kemsley RRC for inspirational image.
Thames Blade - 80x60cm - Oil on Canvas - not available to view in gallery
Reading Town Centre seen from Thames Valley Park. Clouds and reflections on the Thames merge and dance, flickering under willows and pontoons in the afternoon sun.
Lupine Twilight Oil on canvas - not available to view in gsllery
Iris and Nepeta Oil on canvas 60x60cm - not available to view in gallery
Autumn Vale - 100x80cm - Oil on canvas - not available to view in gallery
Tulips and Apple Blossom 60x120cm Oil on canvas - not available to view in gallery
Ye Very Olde Leathern Bottel - Goring on Thames - (PHOTO)
Photographer unknown.
Gaila Adair - From the sketchbook
River Kennet near Aldermaston Marina
Gaila Adair - From the sketchbook
View to High Park
Gaila Adair - From the sketchbook
Covenanters Treasure
Gaila Adair - From the sketchbook
Near the Old Mill between the village of Aldermaston and Aldermaston Wharf
Waterlillies - Summer / The Never Ending Day - 110x240cm Oil on linen
Private collection
Evening Shade - 90x140cm Oil on linen - Private Collection
Magnolia Candelabra - £1850 - 100x80cm Oil on linen - n/a
KENNET DUSK -The Kennet near Aldermaston - No longer available Oil on canvas - 100x100cm
The River Kennet near Aldermaston, A peaceful, sublime evening, where Dragonflies hum and flit across the slow-moving water in the last glowing rays of the sun.
'Evening Shade' with 'Family' Wendy Freestone / Sculpture
