The Great Atlantic Galleries

Mary Stork, who sadly died in 2007, became an internationally acclaimed artist whose work hangs on the walls of homes, colleges and corporate buildings around the world.

Aware at an early age of a talent for drawing, Mary Stork attended the West of England College of Art from 1955 where, in her own words, she received “a thorough classical training in drawing, colour and sculpture, which remains apparent in my current work”. She progressed to the Slade School of Fine Art in London, benefiting from the tuition of the many artists of international repute on the staff.

From London, Mary moved to West Cornwall, living and working amongst a thriving colony of established artists who were very much part of the St Ives School and Newlyn School traditions. These professional colleagues instilled a strong artistic discipline.

After raising a family in the 70’s and 80’s, Mary Stork returned to painting in 1989 quickly developing the distinctive style for which she was renowned. Working mainly on paper with pastels, she aimed for speed and economy of line to capture the inner rhythms and mobility of the human form. In response to the rugged landscape of West Cornwall, Mary also developed a style in landscape and abstract paintings and in sculpture.

Mary Stork was an influential figure in the foundation of The Great Atlantic Map Works Gallery in St Just, West Cornwall in March 1996 and was a strong supporter of The Great Atlantic Galleries until she died.