A prolific painter, creating abstract works in acrylic, oil and pastel as well as sketches and collages, Alex was also very knowledgeable and appreciative of other artists’ work, particularly early 20th century modern art.
After being diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies in 2008, Alex continued to paint but as his condition deteriorated it brought his painting career to an end.
“He was at home, confined to a chair and tragically no longer had the motivation or inspiration to paint, let alone hold a brush,” said Laura. “But he still talked a lot about his art and selling and exhibiting his paintings.”
Following the death of his wife in 2013, Alex moved to a nursing home where he died in April, aged 82.
“After the private family funeral, I felt I wanted to have some sort of memorial for him and started thinking about how I could ensure his work would live on,” said Laura.
Full article available on Page 8.
By Claire Cooper
Fans of abstract art can pick up an original painting and help raise money for Dementia UK at a unique exhibition at this year’s Lindfield Arts Festival.
Laura Morgan, from Haywards Heath, will be exhibiting and selling the work of her late father, Alex Wilson, who died earlier this year. It will be a fitting tribute to the Eastbourne artist, from the daughter he lost contact with for many years.
Laura explained that the family became estranged following her parents’ divorce. “It was only many years later, when I moved to Sussex, that we got back in touch,” Laura recalled.
“We rebuilt our relationship as adults and found we had much in common, including a shared love of art. I remember as a child he used to sketch a lot but I don’t think he got into art seriously until he reached his sixties.”
On moving to Eastbourne, Alex set up his own art studio and began to exhibit his work. He also ran a jewellery shop with his wife and became an expert on coins, publishing a well respected coin guide.
“Alex was an intelligent man; a former chess champion who also enjoyed tennis, cricket and yoga,” said Laura. “He was fit, enthusiastic and full of character, always telling awful jokes!”