This month, TRINGnews spoke with local artist Mary Casserley about her famous family history, her journey to becoming a professional artist, and her love for the town she calls home.
Mary had always been artistic, which led her to study a degree in Fine Art at Portsmouth Polytechnic, before spending nearly 20 years at Berkhamsted School as an art technician. After trying several different mediums, Mary settled on gouache, an opaque type of water-soluble paint
She said: “It’s very old-fashioned, needing just paper, a pencil, paint, and water.”
Mary paints from her studio in Tring. Reflecting on living in the town, she said: “My maternal nana was born around the corner. I’ve lived here for three years, but it feels like I’ve finally come home!”
Her paternal grandfather was the prolific railway photographer H.C. Casserley, and her father also worked in the railway industry, so it wasn’t a surprise when Mary ended up being fascinated with steam trains.
Mary is also inspired by the views she sees when walking her dog and paints familiar streets, buildings and views from Tring and its surrounding villages.
The talented artist even received a personal letter from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson after painting him and his family at Chequers Court.
Mary has also published several books, including Steaming Through the Chilterns, available from Our Bookshop Tring.
She said: “I create local art for local people, and I love being a part of the Tring community!”
Photo credit: Mary Casserley
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