94-year-old artist proves age is just a number

A 94-year-old artist from Rickmansworth is proving that age is just a number after entering her work into an international competition.

Agnes Bantock, of The Cloisters, is hoping her still-life and landscape watercolour paintings will reach the finals of the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) Art Awards, held at London's Bankside Gallery in December.

Mrs Bantock, a mother-of-two with six grandchildren, developed a flair for art while she was at school, but was forced to forgo her hobby following the start of the Second World War.

She picked up her paintbrush again about 45 years ago, when her daughters, Elizabeth and Philippa, were old enough to occupy themselves after school.

Mrs Bantock, who is an active member of the Rickmansworth Art Society, said: "This is the third time I have entered the competition and I think I am probably the oldest person to do so, as most people seem to be in their 60's.

"I have entered two pieces; the first is a still-life of a pot and a vase, while the
second is a landscape of Locarno, a small village by the sea in northern Italy. I spent two years in the country during the war, helping wounded soldiers in hospital with jobs like writing letters to their families. I also worked at the docks and airport in Naples.

"I really enjoy painting and feel that the more I do it, the more observant I become. Every part of the process is good fun but seeing the finished product makes all the hard work worthwhile."

Established in 1995, the EAC Art Awards celebrates the wealth of talent, creative energy and enthusiasm among amateur artists aged between 60 and 100.

Works on display will include oils, watercolours and pastels, as well as printmaking, textiles, ceramics and photography.

Mrs Bantock will learn if she has been short listed by next Monday, November 2. She added: "I would be very pleased to get through to the final but I am facing stiff competition, especially from the artists in their 60s, who have done very well in the past.

"It's the taking part that counts and by doing so, I think I have proved that age doesn't have to be a barrier.

"No matter how old you are, you can do something if you put your mind to it."

For more information about the awards, visit http://eacartawards.org.uk/