Late artist’s work to be shared via website

Sue Wallis was an artist in architectural stained glass who inspired many students, and her widower Mervyn hopes the website will enable her efforts to continue.

“The aim of the website is to put together her huge body of work,” he said.

“It seems a shame not to make it available to people. It is a massive resource. Schools can use it, as well as individuals. It is all free, they are there to be used.

“I just want people to enjoy her work and her ideas. The idea is to share it with people.”

Sue, who died unexpectedly at the age of 60 in December 2011, had been a tutor at Northbrook College in Worthing. She was also a technician at St Andrew’s High School in Worthing, working alongside Mervyn, who was head of art but has since retired as a teacher.

A former student has been helping him to create a permanent link to the website, in the form of a QR code, set in glass, which will be placed on Sue’s headstone in Mill Lane Cemetery in Shoreham.

An unveiling ceremony and blessing is being planned for July 26, to coincide with the date of Sue’s birthday.

Mervyn, of Connaught Avenue, Shoreham, said: “The purpose of this website is to share Sue’s experience, skills, resources, ideas, images, enthusiasm and that of her students for stained glass design and making.

“Hopefully, the resources and images made available here will provide enjoyment and support for both teachers and students in the development of their own skills and ideas and continue the legacy of Sue’s work inspiring students to produce what is best and finest.”

As well as her own work, there are images of the work Sue completed with students in schools, using mosaics, print, ceramics drawing and painting.

“Her style encapsulates all that is best from the traditional stained glass that is the glory of so many churches, but she also used modem techniques and approaches,” said Mervyn.

“In this way, she was able to utilise techniques such as casting and fusing to sandblasting and acid etching, to find the most appropriate technique for the project in hand.

“The pleasure, dedication and enjoyment of the whole spectrum of glass design manifests itself in every piece of work that she produced.”

Sue spent several years in graphic design before moving into stained glass, which proved to be her forte.

Visit suewallis.co.uk to find out more information and explore her pieces.

Mervyn said: “Images are free to download and hopefully Sue’s work will continue to inspire both teachers and learners.”

People are invited to show their appreciation by making a small gift to the Worthing Heart Fund.