Watercolour painting of ‘Abington Park’ c. 1920, by Northamptonshire Artist, Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith (1865-1933)
Watercolour 'Abington Park' by Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith
Thurston Laidlaw Shoosmith (1865–1933) was a gifted Northamptonshire-born artist who grew up at Ivy Towers, Billing Road, the gothic home constructed by his father, William Shoosmith, founder of the law firm now known as Shoosmiths.
Though he joined the family firm in 1895, Thurston later left to focus on painting, his true passion. Largely self-taught and inspired by his artist mother, he shared a creative bond with his sister Fanny Violet. Thurston became a central figure in Northampton’s art world, influencing a generation of local artists. He was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists, the first President of the Northampton Town and County Art Society, and was commissioned to paint a miniature for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Deeply committed to the town’s cultural life, he contributed financially to the founding of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. His local scenes, such as Abington Park, are among several lasting tributes to the beauty and history of Northamptonshire.
The Royal Theatre Safety Curtain, painted in 1978 by Northampton-based artist Sir Henry Bird, is both a vital safety feature and a striking work of art.
A commissioned painting of Langar (Free Community Kitchen) by SCCYC SMN by Artistic Seva, Slough, demonstrating the value of Community & Equality. The painting showing communities from all faiths and castes cooking together, eating side by side on the floor and washing up together. Chosen as part of the extended exhibtion Beyond the 100 in 2025/26.
©
Photo by Marc Brenner
©
NMAG
