An art sale by the family of a late talented artist from Wirral has raised money for the Ann and Ray Messer Foundation.
Burton-based artist Isobel Messer graduated from Liverpool John Moores Art School with a degree in Fashion and Textiles and after initially designing cards and wrapping paper for companies such as Hallmark she changed her focus to silk painting and dying.
Sadly, last year Isobel passed away; on Tuesday 24 September her family staged a charitable art sale at Gladstone Hall in Burton, with all proceeds of sales from her extensive, inspiring and varied collection going to the charitable foundation she established.
Isobel – or Ann as she was also known – originally set up the Ray Messer Foundation in memory of her husband in partnership with the Community Foundation for Merseyside.
The charitable fund supports individuals and organisations aiding the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 11-25 and through skills and friendship development prevents older people becoming isolated.
Among the items on sale was a beautiful watercolour painting of Liverpool ONE centre during its construction phase – after Isobel was one of several artists invited to capture the development being built. The picture was purchased by the Community Foundation for Merseyside and it will now hang in pride of place in its Stanley Building offices at Liverpool ONE.
Karen Morris, Development Director for the Community Foundation for Merseyside, said: “It was a real honour to attend the Isobel Messer art exhibition which simply reinforced what an incredibly talented artist she was.
“In both their lives, Isobel and Ray had been involved in so many charitable activities making a real difference and It is certainly fitting that this particular picture should hang where it was drawn – little did Isobel know when she painted it how it would feature as part of her legacy.”
To view Isobel’s collection of artwork – with originals and prints still available for sale, raising further funds for the Ann and Ray Messer Foundation – visit: https://isobelmesser.art
The Community Foundation for Merseyside manages the Ann and Ray Messer Foundation. Further information can be found at: www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/ray-messer-foundation