In 1961 Gwyneth
Cowing, one of the founder members, provided the Guild with its own studio in
the grounds of her home at Whalebones House. Members of the Guild equipped the
studio, making all the easels which are still in use today.Barnet Guild of Artists was established in 1948, following an exhibition of
local artists' work organised by Agnes Allen, a local teacher of art, and others,
and was held at the Queen Elizabeth's Girls School.
Interest in the exhibition was high, and a subsequent meeting of artists and
visitors led to the founding of the Guild.
The Guild held its own exhibition the following year, 1949, and this event has continued every year since then.
In the early years, meetings were held in local schools and adult education centres, but accommodation was often less than satisfactory.
In 1961 Gwyneth
Cowing, one of the founder members, provided the Guild with its own studio in
the grounds of her home at Whalebones House. Members of the Guild equipped the
studio, making all the easels which are still in use today.
At Gwyneth Cowing's death in 1987, she ensured the future of the studio by setting up the Whalebones Trust, administered by her family and legal representative, to maintain the estate for the use of the Guild and other community groups, including the Brownies and Barnet Beekeepers.
A Little Tribute
The Barnet Press provided guide
At the time Miss Cowing died
A survey, on this sad bereavement
On her life of great achievement
The "Press" itself was full of praise
For her good and caring ways
We heard from members of her staff
How she thought on their behalf
And Societies and friends
How she chose to help their ends.
Though, of course to work committed,
In and out of this she knitted
Fervent views on things essential,
Maybe, acting residential.
At home, she loved her little garden
Set out like a little Arden,*
Every simple charming notion
Thought about with great devotion.
The handyman worked well out there
Following orders with great care.
Here she took her friends around,
Sometimes artists did abound.
For them a conjoured studio
Where a-painting they might go;
Freely, they might try their hands,
Frequently, she joined the bands.
Hornsey trained, it gave her pleasure
With her friends to join at leisure.
When the days were fair and calm
They might paint around the farm,
Find an interesting nook
Or with pad, or sketching book
Swiftly note a poise or pose
Of standing horse, duck comatose,
And on hot or lazy days
Marvel at contented ways,
Go home the leafy chestnut way
Where daffodils had had their day
Gwyn saw the present century
Bringing different things to be.
She loved the Barnet olden days,
The green fields, and easy ways,
Old estates, and visits, walks - -
So much there for giving talks - -
Sorry for the young of nation
Living in a conurbation,
Hemmed in by the motorcar
Now they cannot roam so far.
One reason why she made a stand
For local preservations planned.
She would also keep the green belt,
Benefits for others felt.
Guiding and the Trefoil Guild
Saw another need fulfilled;
She made over Stable Room
Where the Whalebones Group could come
Working for their badges hard
And cooking over sticks in yard.
In the Stable Room so neat
Others came to talk or eat
Established beekeepers with zest
Came along with honey best.
Sometimes ion the winter weather
Lately, artists came together.
There, with greetings warm and hearty
Used it for the Christmas party --
With Cockfosters Ladies Choir? --
Always with a bright log fire.
In and out with praise and rhyme
This season is a pausing time,
You list to all they chose to say
On the day she went away.
You trace a life of some good luck,
Much goodwill, and sense, and pluck,
Always with the best intention
Listening and good direction.
For this momen, all is penned,
And my screed will have its end.
Emma Absalom
* Arden - see Shakespeare - As You Like It. The Old Duke's speech, Act II Scene I. In the Forest of Arden.
"And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything".