About Lindsay
At 16 I went to Loughborough Art College to study Fashion in the 70’s – that was fun. My first job as head designer for Admiral Sportswear designing football kits for most of the clubs in the country including the England, Scotland and Wales teams. See Football section.
Following the birth of my three boys in quick succession – the last two were twins. I became a full time Mum then studied painting at Leicester Adult Education College then De Montfort University Leicester, Fine Art BA Hons. I worked on painting, printmaking and sculpture.
I then set up a studio in Leicester and was there for 20 years. I worked on private and corporate painting commissions as well as exhibiting and selling my own work. Galleries included the Mall Galleries London, Leicester City Gallery and several local galleries. I completed a teaching certificate and a Post Graduate Certificate with Derby University and set up my own watercolour classes.
Football
Its 1976 I am 19 and straight from Loughborough Art College I get the job of head designer for Admiral Sportswear in Leicester. The company was ground breaking for the first time making replica kits for kids and then adults. Believe it or not no one had thought of doing that before. It proved to be very popular.
Working there was a whirlwind, I had no particular interest in football, I was just interested in design and colour. I think this was my strength because I was never over awed at all by the well known managers and celebrities who came through the door because I honestly didn’t know who they were. I also gave my opinion on what they wanted and if I didn’t think much of it I suggested something else. Hilarious looking back but at the time we had no idea how far reaching the Admiral effect would be.
For the full story see “Get Shirty” a lovely book written by Andy Wells from Conker Editions a follow up to his ITV documentary. At the moment you can’t see the full program but streaming deals are in the pipeline. Here are some links to trailers and book reference.
Filming for “Get Shirty” in my Leicester studio
Video in Malawi
In 2009 I was commissioned by Meckow International to make a video in Malawi to promote a water purification unit invented by a lovey man called Professor Leyton James. That was quite an experience and way out of my comfort zone. The community at Malingunde Trading Centre drew all their water from the dirty Kamuzu Dam. The clinic and Blind School (see Meckow International link below) were something I will never forget. I do believe that as a small woman with a very small camera I got shots that a larger crew would not.
Visit Meckow International YouTube Channel
Stonehenge
For the final phase of my degree work I applied to paint at Stonehenge and my request was granted. I was told the first time in 30 years an artist had been allowed to paint within the stones so I struck lucky. Although the week allowed was in February. It was cold and windy. I had to list everything I was going to take or put on the ground at the site. So I took watercolour and a stool and sketchbook. Lots of clips to hold work together or it would take off over Salisbury plane. I was allowed entry an hour before the public entered the site then as long as I could manage. That was a magical hour to be alone with just a security guard. I realised it was going to be a daunting experience. The security was very tight and about 300 tourists arrived daily from 9.30am.
The stones are beautiful, colours you would not expect, apricots, pinks, blues and pale greens. Lichens have made wonderful patterns over thousands of years. The only way to proceed was to take down as much information as I could without being overwhelmed. I hoped that in an almost subconscious way I would come away with what I was drawn to and needed. The problem was it was so cold that sitting still for long was difficult and I literally set. But it was amazing, an experience I’ll never forget. I believe I heard the stones hum, an eerie sound and asked if anyone else had heard this. I was told yes but it was very rare. The atmosphere was something I tried to put in my final paintings and I think it came out better in paint than I can ever put into words. The final oil paintings are big 6’ x 4’ monumental canvases for me but fitting given the subject matter.
2007 – 2008 MA Fine Art Registered Project
Nottingham Trent University. “Aspects of motor racing”.
At this time our son Stephen was driving in British Formula 3 and GP2. We were often staying at the circuit for the whole race weekend in our motorhome. I would immerse myself in taking videos, photos and sketching. It was my way of coping with watching my son drive. So I based my MA on the racing experience and my reactions to it. It was very stressful at times. I often wondered why on earth I’d put extra stress on an already stressful situation. But I learnt a lot on the go. I could take video but had never edited before and had to learn. I became very interested in the actual circuits, their technicality and the difference between race time and then when the public had gone home.
A very different landscape to what I’d normally chose to work in but many things became fascinating to me. I often rode my pushbike around the circuit in the evening when the crowds had gone and took video of the track. I learnt a lot about different circuits. Striped curbs, billboards, no go areas, bright colours strong shapes. I’d ride my bike cross the finish of a quiet peaceful circuit. In fact I’ve ridden over the finish lines at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Croft, Snetterton, Spa and more.
I was awarded a Distinction for my work and it was shown at The New Art Exchange Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
