Biography and CV
Mary Gillett trained at Bristol Polytechnic, then specialised in etching on a postgraduate course at Brighton Polytechnic. Her paintings and etchings explore surface and texture to create images of intense mood and atmosphere.
Since returning to Devon, she has taught printmaking specialising in etching at her workshop near Tavistock for many years (click on "Links" or "Contacts" for details of courses).
She is a member of South West Academy (Academician), Plymouth Society of Artists, 21 group, Devon Artists' network and the Drawn to the Valley Group of Artists.
CV
Summary of Exhibitions:
Solo:
2002 Chapel Gallery, Saltram House, Plymouth,
2001 Kelly College, Tavistock, Devon.
1997 Plough Gallery, Torrington, Devon,
1996 Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Selected Group:
Originals (National Printmaking Show, Mall Galleries, London): 2011, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2001
Blackheath Gallery, London: 2012, 2008, 2006
Brighton Open Houses/Brighton Festival: 2008, 2006, 2005, 1987, 1986
Cube 3, Peninsula Arts, University of Plymouth (Drawn to the Valley group of artists): 2008, 2007, 2006
Royal West of England Academy Open Print: 2009
Royal West of England Academy Opens: 2004, 2003, 1998, 1997, 1993, 1992
South West Open (Plymouth Society of Artists Annual): 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999
South West Academy Open (Exeter): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001
21 group: twice yearly, various venues, 2002 – present
Morley Contemporary Art, Cornwall: 2007
Artmill Gallery, Plymouth, 2 woman show: 2007
Plymouth Museum, Response to Turner exhibition: 2006
Double Elephant Print Workshop, Exeter and London: 2005, 2001
Phoenix Art Gallery, Exeter, Landscapes of the Mind: 2002, Crafted: 2002
5th International Miniature Print Exhibition: 2003-2005 (touring)
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea: 2003
North Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, 2 woman show: 2000
Bath Artists Printmakers Open Exhibition: 1993
Open View (Lloyds and South East Arts): 1986/87 (touring)
Sussex Artists and Photographers Exhibition: 1986
Pallant House, Chichester, The Art and Craft of Etching: 1986
Printmakers’ Council, Romford Library, An introduction to printmaking: 1986
Grundy Gallery, Blackpool,The Fourth British Print Exhibition: 1986
Awards:
1998: Professional development bursary (South West Arts)
2002: Training bursary – Acrylic Resist Etching (South West Arts)
2003: Equipment Grant (Arts Council England, South West)
2004: Tarka Millenium Funded project with the Integrated Art Group, Molly Owen Centre, Tavistock
Education:
1975 – 1976 Plymouth Polytechnic, College of Art, Foundation Course,
1976 – 1979 Bristol Polytechnic, BA (Hons) Fine Art
1980 – 1981 Brighton Polytechnic, Art Teacher's Certificate
1982 – 1984 Brighton Polytechnic,, Postgraduate Diploma in Printmaking
1984 – 1987 “Etching representative at North Star Studios Printmaking Co-operative, Brighton,
1988 returned to Devon
1992 – present: set up private etching workshop and continues to run specialist courses in etching and other printmaking techniques.