Discover Surrey through the art of Marguerite Howarth at The Lightbox

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Marguerite Howarth was a professional illustrator whose work varied from commercial greeting cards to architectural drawings and watercolours. Born in Lancashire in 1908, Howarth studied and taught art in Yorkshire before marrying and moving to London with her husband, then to Surrey at the start of the Second World War. From 20 August until 6 October 2013, a new exhibition ‘Marguerite Howarth: Artist of Surrey (1908 – 2001)’ at The Lightbox gallery and museum will explore the work of this talented artist.

Howarth’s early work centred on the production of greeting cards and postcards for companies such as Medici.While living in Chelsea, shortly after her marriage, her work was exhibited in several London art galleries. In the post-war period, in Surrey, Howarth began to concentrate on architectural drawings and in later years her style evolved to include watercolours. In 1958, a number of Howarth’s pen-and-ink drawings were used to produce a calendar for the Woking Review. As a keen and talented artist, Howarth would carry her sketchbook with her and often paint in her spare time. She produced many works depicting the landscapes and buildings of Surrey, portraying a picture of the area in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. On her husband’s retirement, she moved with him back to Yorkshire, where Howarth enjoyed painting watercolours of the local Wharfedale countryside. Her style developed with her surroundings and to capture the softer Yorkshire light, Howarth turned to a new bluish palette.

While residing in Surrey, Howarth was a president of Woking Society of Arts and a member of Guildford Art Society. In addition, she was also a member of the Society of Women Artists from 1970 to 1983 and regularly exhibited her work with the Society between 1963 and 1980.

The exhibition ‘Marguerite Howarth: Artist of Surrey (1908–2001)’ will be on show at The Lightbox from 20 August until 6 October 2013; entrance is free. In association with the exhibition, join local historian Phillip Arnold as he discovers a lost Surrey as depicted by Marguerite Howarth. The talk will take place on 10 September 2013 at 1.00pm, advance booking is required and tickets cost £6 for adults, £5 for concessions. For more information please visit the gallery's website or call 01483 737800.

The Lightbox is situated in Woking (25 minutes from London Waterloo by train) open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30a.m. – 5.00p.m. and Sunday 11.00a.m–5.00p.m. Entrance is free (donations welcome).