My friend Margaret Power, who has died at the age of 90, was a ceramicist and art teacher who made fantastical creatures, such as camels, birds and angels, out of clay. She inspired others to create with confidence even when there were few materials available. Her sense of humour, infectious laughter and empathy brought a wide circle of friends; we all loved the originality of her fold-out Christmas cards.
She was born and educated in Bath; her father, Frederick, was a tailor, while her mother, Muriel, (nee Noke), was a teacher. Margaret was taught painting by William Scott and sculpture by Kenneth Armitage at Bath Academy of Art at Corsham Court in Wiltshire, before going on to the University of London to qualify as an art teacher.
She taught at Badminton school and later at Channing school, Highgate. In 1965, she ventured to Malta, to Admiralis, a Catholic teacher training college. She was a patient teacher, encouraging us to explore with eyes, hands, and imagination. She delighted in the world around her – the variety and quirkiness of people, the wonders of nature and the beauty of skilfully made objects.
Returning from Malta, Margaret undertook an advanced education diploma at University College, Cardiff. Supervising students who were working with adults with learning difficulties, Margaret felt she needed to learn more. This led to her work at Leigh Court hospital in Somerset, which in those days cared for mental health patients. Fantastical hangings made from polystyrene beads were a few of the “outsider” creations that would emerge, encouraged by her teaching.
For many years Margaret worked at the Julian Trust night shelter in Bristol, helping the homeless and listening to the lonely. She supported many charities and had a strong sense of justice.
Margaret’s life and work were threaded through with a religious belief and the icons of her Catholic faith. She travelled widely and opened up her house to international students. Her deep friendship with John Griffey brought a love of poetry and picnics to her life.
Margaret had a feeling for the cadence of rhythm and rhyme, as she had an instinct for the texture of clay. She understood how the world is created anew each day in our discoveries and perceptions.
