Ray Schofield - Artist
Ray Schofield
Ray Schofield was a talented, loving, generous, funny, eccentric character who was respected in this area for his artwork, which included paintings, drawings and sculptures.
The same magnetic pull that brought the renowned artist Philip Gilchrist to the Point more than a century ago also drew Ray to live at number nine on First Terrace.
‘First Terrace’ by Ray Schofield. Credit: Emily Fegan
Ray died at just 55 in 2004. He was always sketching, painting, and sculpting, and thanks to his family and many friends and admirers, we can here present a few of the artworks that were inspired by Sunderland Point - possibly the most painted and photographed small village in England.
‘Sunderland Point’ by Ray Schofield: Credit: Rosie Smith
Ray, who was born in St Helens in 1948, trained at Lancaster Art College and then Leeds Art College. He spent two years teaching in Whitehaven before returning to Lancaster to a post in the Adult Education Centre.
He taught in the Art department at Lancaster Morecambe College for 30 years.
Ray produced many highly acclaimed sculptural and mural works throughout England and Wales for churches, public buildings, schools, and parks. As a working artist, he also illustrated children's books. He famously illustrated six books in the ‘Gladys and Dragon’ series. He also was inspired by J R R Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy to produce some extraordinary pictures and sculptures.
Ray, with his son Rowan and artworks for the children’s books, photo Lancaster Guardian November 1997. Courtesy Guardian Newspapers
Perhaps his best-known works include the mosaic for Ripley St Thomas School in Lancaster and the sundial in Williamson Park. The sundial, with each month cast in bronze, is situated on the site of the old bandstand. A visitor standing on the current month becomes – if the sun is shining - the ‘shadow caster’ and gains a rough idea of the time of day.
Ray and the Williamson Park Sundial, photo Lancaster Guardian July 2000: Courtesy Guardian Newspapers.
Ray moved to the Point from Overton where he part-owned and ran the Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery in Middleton Road.
Described as ‘one of the district’s most colourful characters’ (Lancaster Guardian), ‘painting and sculpture were his specialities, and he was particularly keen to work with schools’.
He was a lover of nature and outdoor life and created many of his best images of wildlife.
‘Lapwings’ by Ray Schofield: Credit Emily Fegan
Ray, who was twice married, had five children. He left a fantastic collection of his art - and we are delighted to here present just some of the images inspired by Sunderland Point.
Please visit the gallery - just click on this image. They are wonderful pictures.
‘First Terrace’ Ray Schofield: Credit: Trevor and Margaret Owen.
Many thanks to all those who allowed us to copy images for the gallery and this article. Special thanks to Scottie Wilson, who collected the images from many sources.
We would be delighted if anyone has other images created by Ray and can send us copies for inclusion in the gallery.
All pictures are copyright of Andrea Wilson, except for No27, copyright Dorothy Calverley.
Email scottiewilson123@gmail.com if any of the pictures are miscredited, and we will put it right!