Mary Potter (1900-1981)

Mary Potter attended the Slade School of Art where she was taught by the influential professor, Henry Tonks. Tonks demanded that his students paint in dark tones, and since Potter already favoured the lighter palette she used throughout her career some heated dispute ensued, despite which, she became one of his star pupils, her talent overcoming the artistic difference. 1962-64 were crucial years in her career as she was offered a major retrospective at the Whitechapel Gallery, challenging her to create new work of a grander scope and scale. This coincided with her move to a new studio of far larger proportions, giving her the first real opportunity to realise her potential.