Some time ago, local woman Brenda Rochead handed in some of her mother’s paintings to St Andrew’s Hospice Shop on Glasgow Road, Blantyre.
Her mother, BETTY GILLESPIE (artist signature E H Gillespie) was a local Blantyre artist. For many years Betty was the teacher at the evening art class held in the Blantyre Community Centre and she arranged many exhibitions for herself and all participants’ work.
In 1993, at the age of 65 years she was successful in attaining a Higher in Art and Design.
Over the years she sold many paintings locally and to tourists from across the world who visited her exhibitions in Chatelherault, David Livingstone Memorial Centre, Comrie and Perth.
Next time you’re in the St Andrew’s Shop, please do have a look at the paintings. The sale of these will help the charity directly. I’ve attached some photos and information about Betty, including when she and other friends took their further education classes in Blantyre High School. You may recognise many other Blantyre faces in the black and white photo.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Robert Izett We have two of bettys paintings; she was very talented.
Elizabeth McFarlane Wow lovely to see this Brenda such great memories for you.
Senga ODonnell Aww Brenda that’s lovely