Mary Farmer (Estate of)

Mary Farmer (1940 - 2021) studied Fine Art at Beckenham School of Art (1958-1961) followed by a Digswell Arts Fellowship (1964). The visionary arts residency programme established by Henry Morris in 1957. Mary Farmer established her first studio in Guildford developing her ideas in both gouache and tapestry: the V&A Museum’s Circulation Department made an important acquisition of a monochrome rug. Mary Farmer began teaching at Farnham Art School and further major awards from South East Arts (1979) and the Crafts Council (1980) cemented her position as a leading figure in innovative contemporary tapestry. In 1983 Mary Farmer joined the Textile Department at the Royal College of Art, London and later Tapestry Course Director. Works were acquired or commissioned by the Government Art Collection; Sainsbury Centre; Crafts Council and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Important public commissions and acquisitions included the British Oxygen Company; Channel 4 Television and Lambeth Palace.