Mary Fedden

Mary Fedden OBE RA was a British artist best known for her distinctive still life and landscape paintings. Her vibrant, whimsical style made her one of the most popular British artists of her time. Fedden had a significant connection to Richmond upon Thames, where she lived and worked for many years.

Fedden's Time in Richmond

In 1949, Mary Fedden moved to Durham Wharf, a studio complex on the Thames at Chiswick. She lived and worked there for the rest of her life, sharing the space with her husband, the artist Julian Trevelyan, until his death in 1988.

Durham Wharf became not just a home and studio, but a hub of artistic activity. Fedden and Trevelyan hosted many artists, writers, and intellectuals, contributing to the rich cultural life of the area.

Artistic Contributions to Richmond

• "The River at Chiswick" (various dates)
  Fedden painted numerous views of the Thames from her studio, capturing the changing moods of the river.
• "Durham Wharf" (various dates)
  Her home and studio featured in many of her paintings, often serving as a backdrop for her still life compositions.
• "Chiswick Eyot" (various dates)
  The small island in the Thames near her home appeared in several of her works.
• "Richmond Bridge" (date varies)
  Fedden painted this iconic Richmond landmark multiple times throughout her career.

Fedden's artistic style was characterised by bold colours, flattened perspective, and a joyful approach to everyday subjects. Her paintings often combined still life elements with landscape backgrounds, many of which were inspired by the views from her Chiswick studio.

While living in Richmond, Fedden also taught at the Royal College of Art from 1958 to 1964, where she was the first woman to teach in the Painting School. Her influence on younger artists, many of whom visited her at Durham Wharf, was significant.

Fedden's long residence in the area greatly influenced her work. The Thames, with its changing light and activity, became a constant source of inspiration. Her paintings often featured local landmarks and river scenes, capturing the essence of life along the Thames in Richmond.

In addition to her paintings, Fedden created murals for schools in the local area, extending her artistic influence beyond the gallery walls and into the community.

Today, Fedden is remembered as one of Richmond's most celebrated artistic residents. Her vibrant depictions of the local area have become iconic representations of life along the Thames. Her work continues to be highly valued and collected, serving as a lasting testament to her love for Richmond upon Thames and its landscapes.

Mary Fedden's legacy in Richmond extends beyond her artwork. Her long-term residence at Durham Wharf and her contribution to the local artistic community have helped cement Richmond's reputation as a haven for artists, a tradition that continues to this day.