A common thread from pupils when revisiting, as well as College staff and colleagues talking about past times in the Art School, is mentioning the name of the Artist-in-Residence; ‘in Claire Barber’s year’ or, more recently, in ‘Grace Payne-Kumar’s time’ or ‘Amanda Cook’s year’ without thinking of its enlightening significance. September 2025 to June 2026 is Beth Pickett’s era reflecting her ‘stamp’ on sound, poetry and connection-to-place across print mediums. We are been enriched by Beth’s presence, her can-do attitude and commitment, her generosity in showing processes and concepts infusing her creativity.
Curiosity, eagerness, reflection, invention, decision and risk-taking, took place, quietly and assiduously within Beth’s creative process. The developing of visual thoughts across a variety of media, exploring various mediums before bringing these ideas to fruition within a suite of prints required focus of mind and skill fortified by tenacity. This was thrilling to observe in Beth’s studio. And in doing so this Artist learned much about herself. Beth’s curiosity and fearless invention will be with us longer after her time at Marlborough.
Edward Twohig RE
Head of Art
