Barbara Banister facts for kids

Barbara Gillian Banister (1895–1984) was a talented British artist. She was known for designing beautiful jewellery, working with silver, and painting.

Meet Barbara Banister

Barbara Banister was born in Epsom, England, in 1895. Her mother was Annie Rita Barrow, and her father, Frederick Banister, was an architect.

Early Life and Art School

Barbara went to Worcester Park School in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent. After school, she took private art lessons to improve her skills. Later, she was accepted into the famous Royal College of Art. This is a very important art school where many great artists have studied.

A Talented Artist

For a short time, Barbara worked for a government department that made maps of the sea. But her true passion was art. She soon returned to her creative work.

Barbara became a skilled silversmith, making lovely decorative jewellery. She was also a painter. One of her special commissions was to paint a portrait of the famous jockey Lester Piggott. She captured the moment he won the 1954 Epsom Derby horse race on his horse, Never Say Die.

Exhibitions and Achievements

Barbara Banister's art was shown in many places. In 1958, she had her own exhibition in Fletching, Sussex. She also showed her work with the Society of Women Artists. This group helps women artists share their creations.

Her work was also displayed at arts and crafts fairs and the British Industries Fair. She even won a gold medal at an exhibition held by the Home Arts and Industries Association. This showed how much her talent was recognized.

Today, some of her amazing work is kept in the art collection of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths at Goldsmiths' Hall in London. This is a special place that supports artists who work with gold and silver. Barbara Banister passed away in 1984 in Uckfield, Sussex.