‘In the summer of 1974, two graduates from the Glasgow School of Art were enthusiastically welcomed into the fold of the Royal College of Art Jewellery School, Katherine Campbell (a regular exhibitor at Designs), and Mary Thomson. Mary not only gained a place but won the prestigious Princess of Wales Scholarship awarded to the most promising female entrant. Under the guidance of Prof. Gerald Benny, Mary concentrated on shallow relief carving in slate, steel and ivory.
“Rings, brooches, bangles and pins, you could imagine them looking wonderful worn by Nancy Cunard, languid Gauguin inspired women, deliciously sensual and soporific.” Hugh Ehrman - Crafts Magazine ‘79.
Having fallen for more than her work we married in 1976, beginning a very romantic life, travelling the waterways of Europe. Two events influenced Mary’s approach to work - the discovery of the appalling poaching involved in the ivory trade (it had previously been regarded as a good source of income for the game reserves), combined with the need to fit out our various barges - led to the carving of wood, first elm followed by lime. Each barge we progressed to would be enriched with carved log boxes, bed ends etc., imagery gleaned from our travels and way of life.
The arrival of our daughter heralded a change to dry land and we exchanged our last barge (a beautiful 30 metre Katwijker) for our home on the Galloway coast. Three children, cats, hens, garden and husband are the ingredients for the current work producing pieces reflecting the home Mary has made - one built on nurture, loving and tranquility - one I have been very privileged to share.’
Michael Lloyd, July 2005
designs gallery, 179 king street, castle douglas, s.w.scotland ~ open 9.30 / 5.30 ~ closed sundays