Amanda the Artist

by Beth Cox The author is Old Girl Sue Kaberry (née Cox, Class of 1964). She uses the pen name Beth Cox for this book, but also writes historical novels as Susan E Kaberry. Publisher: Cinnamon Press ISBN: 9781788649339 When I received this book to review, I initially thought that it was a novel, but it is actually described as a fictionalised biography, focusing on events in the author’s early years. There are difficult themes contained within it: illegitimacy and teenage pregnancy, mental illness, bereavement and heart-breaking accounts of brutal and harsh treatment – perhaps in context at the time, but with the more understanding circumstances we live in now, are shocking to the reader. After a happy childhood, Beth’s family moved from Bolton to Holcombe Brook. It was not a happy move for the family as things start to go wrong. Her parents’ business hits bad times, their health degenerates, which places a burden on 14 year old Beth, and the home in which they have moved to becomes a curse rather than the fresh start which they had hoped for. Against this backdrop of unhappy circumstances at home, Beth’s teenage years become increasingly difficult. The author, in searching for answers to events in her life, turns to the past – to her ancestors – and discovers some surprising facts about her namesake. Moving from the late 1950s and 1960s to events in the previous century, the story of a Lancashire family, their lives and their secrets throughout generations are gradually revealed. Using her skills as a researcher and a psychotherapist, Beth gives a fascinating account of how to research family history, the sources used and how it enables the researcher to piece together both an understanding of their ancestors and an understanding of self. I also enjoyed the descriptions of places with which I am familiar – Barrow Bridge, Holcombe Hill, the Lancaster area and even Bolton School (although Beth Cox’s memories of School are not all happy ones). Beth makes mention of the path her life has taken following on from the main events in the book. I hope that, without spoiling the ending, I can say that the author seems to have found a resolution and been able to put the ghosts of her past aside. Maria Howarth, School Librarian

Inspired by her Art teachers at School, Amanda Haran (1983-1990) has made a career out of her passion. As a very shy and confidence-lacking full scholarship girl I would not have predicted a career in the therapeutic arts let alone working in 2021’s Turner Prize. Luckily, I had the great fortune of meeting Mrs Tankard and Mrs Fisher, and finding a type of creative sanctuary in the art and textile rooms. Amanda in the Cooking Sections installation in the Turner Prize 2021 Like most girls I found mastering the sewing machine extremely difficult and poor Mrs Tankard spent whole lessons bobbing from one pupil to another untangling the bird’s nest that they had (with great effort and purpose) created in the spool case. Thank goodness for gentle, unceasing encouragement. During my GCSE mock exams my family lost everything due to bankruptcy and received emergency rehousing from Bolton Council. Two of the greatest kindnesses of my life occurred then, with Mrs Tankard lending me a sewing machine that I duly wrestled home on the number nine bus; and Mrs Fisher never batting an eyelid as I was allowed to make six-foot African canvases with lashings of paint, charcoal and ink – life-size Giacometti-inspired pieces – and then throw plaster and clay at trees in the School grounds to obtain a certain texture, these materials and equipment my family could ill afford. These teachers were helping to save my sanity. As I write this, the lump in my throat grows ever larger. They even initiated my first ever commission of sorts by asking me to design and create a batik as a gift to Lord Leverhulme. I still see this as my first ‘formal’ art industry piece. After studying Textile Design and Design Management at the now no longer UMIST, I went to work in Manchester’s mental health support sector, adding Creative Therapy and Psychotherapist to my list of qualifications. This year found me being awarded Arts Council funding for a worldwide suffrage-inspired mental health project. Working as part of many groups in Coventry City of Culture, I designed and made collectively banners for the opening ceremony; commemorated through an installation International Refugee Day; wove with the communities of Coventry a moon for the opening of the legacy Daimler Arts Centre; and was one of the selected artists for Coventry’s response to COP26. The coat of kindness made by Amanda for the Arts Council for International However, none of these experiences Women’s Day 2021matched working for The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum as their Community Engagement Officer for The Turner Prize. I was given carte blanche to seek out those in Coventry who seldom engaged with the arts on behalf of The Tate and Turner Prize nominees.

Walking Forest, a Coventry City of Culture initiative for the 2021 climate change conference in Glasgow Array, who won The Turner Prize, have asked for a Coventry banner to be created in their style to capture the often unheard voices of the city as part of their legacy, and that is what I head in to the new year looking to do for them. My life has come full circle

as I am now offering the ‘unceasing encouragement’ that Mrs Fisher and Mrs Tankard gave to me, to others who are often marginalised. Thank you, Mrs T and Mrs F, I will be forever grateful.

Amanda with Project Artworks’ cat (Turner Prize nominees) as part of her engagement work for the Turner Prize 2021 at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry