Mary Georgina Wade Wilson, known as Mary Wilson, was a British artist born on June 21, 1914, in Knowsley, near Liverpool, England. She was primarily known for her abstract and semi-abstract paintings. Mary's artistic journey began at an early age, influenced by her surroundings and the burgeoning art scene of the early 20th century.
Wilson studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London from 1932 to 1936, where she honed her skills and developed her unique artistic style. At the Slade, she was deeply influenced by her teachers, such as Henry Tonks and Philip Wilson Steer, who played significant roles in shaping the direction of British art at the time. After completing her studies, she continued to evolve her practice, working primarily in oils and watercolors.
During her career, Mary Wilson did not achieve the same level of fame as some of her contemporaries, which has made detailed information about her life and work less accessible. However, she was a dedicated artist, and her works exhibit a strong command of color and form. Her abstract works often explored the relationship between shapes and the evocative power of color, maintaining a delicate balance between representation and abstraction.
Throughout her life, Mary remained an active member of the art community, participating in exhibitions and contributing to the dialogue around art in Britain. Despite the challenges faced by female artists at the time, she persisted in her practice, creating a body of work that reflects both her talent and her commitment to her art.
Mary Georgina Wade Wilson passed away on July 21, 2019, at the remarkable age of 105. Her longevity allowed her an extensive period of productivity and creativity. Today, her paintings can be found in private collections and occasionally appear in exhibitions focused on British art from the 20th century. Her contributions to the field, while perhaps not as widely recognized as some of her peers, remain a testament to her skill and passion for visual expression.