OBITUARY: JENNIFER BERESFORD

Beyond The Level Trail Contact, Curtis Tappenden remembers Trail member Jennifer Beresford

It is with much sadness that we have to report that Jennifer Beresford, one of our long-time Beyond the Level trail members, unexpectedly passed away very recently.

Jenny had been a stalwart of the group, having first opened her home with Beyond the Level trail, in Upper Lewes Road in 2002, before sharing space just a few doors along with founder Beyond the Level member, Jackie Jones.

Latterly, Jenny had established herself in Ditchling Rise with a keen following for her ebullient and highly accomplished colourful paintings. These were extraordinary in their attention to detail and covered a range of topics, but it is her landscapes and cityscapes which are perhaps her most memorable.

Beyond the Level trail has always prided itself on a democratic approach to showcasing local artists in the community, and Jenny fitted perfectly into our diverse membership. She was an inimitable character with strong opinions, who provoked healthy discussion and always wanted what was best for the trail and its members. She preferred to talk on the telephone rather than email, and was always keen to get the job done!

Jackie Jones recalls how ‘she once offered to deliver my Labour Party leaflets if I would deliver her Tory ones and thereby get the job done quicker – I’m afraid I didn’t agree!’ This is a perfect anecdote and affectionately sums her up; direct, humorous, and efficient in manner. We are stunned that she is no longer with us, she was always kind and generous to those whom she met and befriended. Our meetings and exhibitions just won’t be the same, and Jenny is a huge and irreplaceable loss to Beyond the Level and Brighton’s artistic community.

Our condolences go to Emma, her daughter, and all of her family and friends.

Curtis Tappenden, Beyond The Level Trail, Artists Open Houses. June 2020