Work by a Norfolk artist whose life was tragically cut short by lung cancer will be on show at Sheringham Museum this month, as part of a exhibition featuring prints, drawings and paintings inspired by the county's coast and countryside.
Rachel Hutchins, who died aged 30, four months after being diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2015, set her heart on becoming an artist while a student at Broadland High School.
She went on to study at Norwich University College of the Arts, before gaining a degree in textile design from Winchester School of Art, where she won the Sainsbury's award for best print portfolio.
Rachel, who grew up in Hoveton, went on to do an MA in printed textiles at the Royal College of Art before embarking on a career that saw her work for a fashion design company in Berlin and London on projects including London Fashion Week.
Before falling ill, Rachel built up a large body of work, ranging from screen prints and scraper board work, to life drawings and wallpaper designs, and, keen for this to be seen, her parents Chris and Sue organised a memorial exhibition at Blickling Hall last year.
The couple, who live at Wroxham, had not intended to show their daughter's work again but, after Sheringham Museum learning officer Sally Birch saw the Blickling show, she got in touch.
'The idea was for schools to be involved in seeing the different stages of the artistic process,' Mr Hutchins said. 'We hope that the work will inspire young people and I think Rachel would have loved the educational aspect of it.'
The exhibition will feature work ranging from drawings of Norfolk fishermen, to richly patterned finished fabrics.
'We are very proud of the fact that Rachel's work is still being seen and appreciated and it is good for us to realise just how much she compiled in what was really quite a short space of time,' Mr Hutchins said.
Land and Sea runs at Sheringham Museum from February 2-18 and from March 24 – April 15. Opening times are Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. The museum will be closed outside these times until March 24. For more information, visit www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk or phone 01263 824482.
To see more of Rachel Hutchins' work, visit www.rachelhutchins.com
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