Words really do carry stories of a lifetime. Etched and curled within the bounds of a book are letters that reflect lasting creativity for one Bushey resident.
At 91, calligrapher Hazel Beney has spent decades quietly creating beautifully designed and illustrated calligraphy that has now found a wider audience.
Many of her pieces have been brought together in the 144-page book Hazel Beney: A Lifetime of Calligraphy, where her artistic journey is celebrated.
Hazel’s love of lettering began at Cambridge Art School, where she specialised in bookbinding and calligraphy.
Raised in a creative household while her mother was as a sculptor, she was encouraged to pursue art after others recognised her natural talent.
Inspired by skilled calligraphy teachers, including Gee Horsley and latterly Ann Camp, Hazel developed a strong foundation in design and lettering.
After studying Art and Design and working as a window dresser, Hazel married, raised three children and stepped away from her artistic practice.
Years later, wanting to “dust off the cobwebs”, she returned to study at Watford College. After a while she was asked to teach the course, which she did. This led her to study as a mature student at the University of Roehampton. Her work went on to feature in community projects including at schools, the Bushey Festival and Bushey Museum.
The book traces this progression, with each piece accompanied by Hazel’s own words explaining its inspiration.
The idea for the book came from her youngest daughter, Grace.
Speaking to BUSHEYnews, Grace said: “What a pleasure it has been for me to get to know my mum as an artist. I discovered another side of her.”
The book is available to purchase on Amazon at www.shorturl.at/3s3Ry and at Bushey Museum.
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