Roy Tanner
As an attendee of Snowdon Road Day Centre, Roy came across the Art Club at The Portway Centre somewhat by chance.
After his first week at the Art Club Roy never looked back, also joining the resident poetry and theatre group. He quickly became a valued member of all three.
Roy's reading abilities and warm, open personality meant that he quickly became first choice spokesperson for Artists First at events like the opening of Artists First’s studio at Spike Island.
As an artist Roy was less confident in his abilities than one might have expected. He did, however, love to create ‘a good picture’ . He developed a particular respect for Mike McGreevy, a professional artist whose help and support was vital to the groups development. Roy also loved working with disabled artists Eddy Hardy and James Lake.
Despite his lack of confidence, Roy produced some wonderful dry point etching as well as works on paper. Sadly, his life came to a sudden end as he was involved in a fatal road accident.
Roy was a warm and wonderfully open man, whose contribution to Artists First, Portway Players, Firebird Theatre and Rushland poets was immense. He richly deserves his place in the Artists First archive and would be proud that his work is now held by the National Disability Art Collection & Archive.
Selected exhibition history
- 2001 Strength to Strength Spike Island Bristol
- 2003 Artists First Residency Tate Liverpool
- 2003 This River Winding
- 2004 Into the Light: Thelma Hulbert Gallery Honiton
