Late Summer Malmesbury by Mary Hill

Mary Florence Hill grew up in Frampton Cotterell, and attended school in Bristol. After completing her schooling, Mary continued her studies in Bristol, at the West of England College of Art. Mary later moved to Kington Langley and taught Art at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, where she eventually became Deputy Headmistress. She also served as a Magistrate at Chippenham's Juvenile Court.

In the late seventies Mary settled in Malmesbury, first living in the Old White Lion on Gloucester Street and later on Abbey Row. She lived in the town for 45 years. Mary loved Malmesbury; she was an active member of the community, including serving on the Town Council from 1989 through to becoming Mayor in 1995. Mary also co-founded the Malmesbury River Valleys Trust in 1992, a local nature reserve conservation charity. Her passion for nature was matched only by her passion for art, which she continued to champion for many years after teaching.

 Remembering Mary Hill includes a selection of Mary’s own work, mainly in painting and photography, and also work by other artists that she collected to display at home, many of whom were close friends.

 Mary passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday 6th October, 2024, at the age of 98.