An art exhibition dedicated to the works of the late Mr Babb will be held at Ulverston Art House from May 29 to June 29. Organised by his daughter, Paulette Arnold, the opening night will feature the Mayor of Ulverston and is expected to draw significant local interest.
Mr Babb’s Artistic Journey
Mr Babb was not only a technical illustrator at Vickers but also a passionate artist with a diverse range of hobbies. His interests included racing motorbikes, orienteering, and rally driving, yet art remained one of his foremost passions. He created an extensive collection of artwork that reflects various genres and techniques.
Exhibition Highlights
Ms Arnold has curated around 100 pieces of her father’s artwork, which includes paintings, sketchbooks, and watercolours. She reminisced about how her father would take sketchbooks on family holidays, capturing scenes from places like France and Scotland. His watercolours were notable for being created freehand, without preliminary pencil sketches.
A Tribute to a Wonderful Man
After Mr Babb’s passing, Ms Arnold felt compelled to share his artwork with the community. She stated, “I thought it was a nice tribute for him to be able to exhibit his artwork for other people to enjoy and maybe purchase.” This exhibition is not just about showcasing art; it’s a heartfelt homage to a beloved father.
Community Response
The upcoming exhibition has already garnered attention from locals, with Ms Arnold expressing surprise at the enthusiastic response. She believes that her father would have been amazed by the interest in his work. “I feel really proud to be honest. I’m just really proud to be able to do something for him,” she said.
Encouraging Local Appreciation
Ms Arnold noted a growing appreciation for local art in Ulverston. She mentioned that while her father exhibited some works in the Barrow Artist Society years ago, the art scene was not as vibrant back then. Today, she feels that the community is more engaged and supportive of local artists.
