‘He always wanted to give to others in a positive way’
Acclaimed artist Malcolm passes away at age of 85
THE family of renowned British artist Malcolm Fryer have spoken of their pride at his incredible legacy of art throughout the world after he died last week.
They have also praised staff at Queenscourt Hospice for the exceptional care he received and the support they enjoyed in the weeks before he passed away.
Malcolm died aged 85 after a battle against cancer.
He died at home, surrounded by his family, the way he wanted to go.
He leaves daughter Katie Fryer, daughter Juliet Holmes and her husband Richard, their children Becca and Ben, and his cousin Pat James.
Malcolm’s love of painting remained until the end, and he even enjoyed giving painting lessons to one of the Queenscourt At Home nurses.
His very close friend Ian Norris is a fellow artist who also played a prominent part in sustaining his passion for painting and classical music until the end of his life.
A prolific landscape painter, his works of art have been sold all over the UK, the USA and beyond.
He was modestly proud to be featured in Frances Spalding’s authoritative book Twentieth Century Painters and Sculptors.
Funeral details have yet to be finalised. Anyone with any queries is asked to contact FJ Gibb Funeral Directors at 6a Clarence Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 4BH, phone: 01704 468980.
The family have requested for any donations to go towards Queenscourt Hospice .
Malcolm’s daughter Katie Fryer said: “Dad went peacefully, we were very grateful for that. It has not been easy, but he did his best to the last.
“He was an in-patient at Queenscourt Hospice for a few weeks, they were managing his pain well.
“It was his wish to come home towards the end and he was here for the last three or four weeks. He got his wish, which was a big plus.
“The staff at Queenscourt Hospice were brilliant. Their Queenscourt At Home staff nurses gave us a night a week, and during daytimes as well. They gave us lots of support.
“We don’t have a date yet for the funeral, but it will take place at St James’ Church in Birkdale.
“Dad lived in Southport for many years, he had so many friends here.”
Malcolm Fryer was born in Middleton in Manchester and then moved to Blackburn early on where he spent his childhood. He was schools including St
School in Blackburn.
He started painting at the age of 10. He went on to study at Lancaster Art School. During this time he was painting landscapes of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Moors.
At 25 years old Malcolm’s first exhibition, educated at Silas Primary sponsored by Guinness, was a sell-out.
He spent the 1970s in Arbroath, Scotland. Here he was appointed warden of the Patrick Allen Frazer Art College.
Malcolm was drawn to the Scottish coastal landscapes, and a productive period of painting followed. He went
Acclaimed Southport artist Malcolm Fryer and (below) some of his work on to sell works all over the UK and in the US.
He has continually exhibited in galleries and universities nationwide. He is also represented in private collections at Granada, Sky Television and Arthur Guinness Ltd.
His impressive body of work leaves an impressive legacy of paintings enjoyed by people internationally.
Katie said: “Dad was someone who always wanted to give to others in a positive way. He tried to bring peace and calm into this world.
“There are lots of people who love his paintings, and that means a lot.
“Dad started teaching in Blackpool, and then did lots of art-related things, including working as a curator at The Howarth Art Gallery in Accrington, where he was instrumental in retaining the Tiffany glass collection which remains on display today.
“Lots of people know Dad through the art world, and through the antique world too. He enjoyed working, and painting, right up to the end.
“He has such an incredible work ethic. He had a very determined outlook on life.
“He reserved a real importance to colour and light in his art.
“His paintings always say something to people, in whichever way they interpret it.”