Veronica Gosling, my grandmother, was a multifaceted writer, visual artist, and curator whose life radiated with a passion for creativity and an insatiable curiosity. To those who knew her, she was not just an artist in Exeter; she was a vibrant force, constantly challenging the status quo with questions like "Why not?" and "What if?"
Veronica passed away at the age of 94, leaving behind a profound legacy. She had a unique affinity for found objects, captivated by their shapes, textures, and the untold stories they carried. By liberating these items from their original functions, she breathed new life into them, allowing her imagination to flourish. During turbulent times, she turned to painting, crafting bold and intricate works that reflected her emotional landscape. Her home itself was a canvas; walls, corners, and even everyday appliances were soon enveloped in vibrant colors, transforming her living space into a testament to her artistic spirit.
Curiosity was the cornerstone of all her creations. Even when she questioned whether she could truly call herself a "real artist," she sought knowledge and inspiration from carpenters, electricians, blacksmiths, and engineers. She engaged friends and family to assist her in experimenting with materials and hanging sculptures from trees. Even the most unlikely items, such as discarded fish bones, found their way into her artwork; one notable piece, "Smoked Mackerel," was completed just in time for dinner in 2019.
Born in London to Robert Henriques, a renowned writer, broadcaster, and novelist, and his wife, Vivien (née Levy), Veronica’s early life was marked by significant events. During World War II, she and her older brother were sent to the United States for safety. Upon returning to Britain, she attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College and, at the age of 24, published her first novel, "Love from a Convict" (1955). This story, about a young reporter who falls in love during a visit to a prison, showcased her keen ability to understand and depict human behaviors. Norman Shrapnel of the Manchester Guardian even likened it to a "tiny Wuthering Heights."
Around the same time, she began her career as a journalist at the Western Morning News in Plymouth before marrying psychoanalyst Robert Gosling in 1958, with whom she raised five children.
Her final novel, "Tom’s Sister," came out in 1977. The following year, she and Robert moved from London to the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, where she began to explore her visual language. After years of documenting conversations through writing, she felt a shift in focus; in the serene countryside, she found that she had little to write about, so she directed her attention to observation. She began sketching the nuances of human interactions and movement, translating these observations into sculptures, clay works, mixed media pieces, and assemblages.
After Robert's passing in 2000, Veronica relocated to Exeter three years later, where she established Studio 36—a creative space designed for experimentation and collaboration among various art forms, including poetry, dance, song, video, and painting. She thrived on events that fostered connections across communities, such as “Creative Integration Day,” which involved working with newcomers to Exeter, and the lively performance-poetry-piano event called “Hello Beckett!” Additionally, she organized painting workshops aimed at people with dementia and their caregivers, firmly believing that everyone possesses a spark of creativity within them.
In 2020, she launched the community art initiative "Get on Board" with the support of Exeter City Council, inviting contributions from all corners of the city, including Exeter Prison. Remarkably, she continued to work on this project just days before her passing.
Veronica is survived by her four sons—Jonathan, Will, Sam, and Roly—twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Tragically, her daughter Louisa passed away last year.
