Whilst not necessarily a household name, Rena Gardiner's work is instantly recognisable. Her guidebooks to historic places, buildings and the countryside have an idiosyncratic style that is unique in post-war British art.
Rena Gardiner's life
Rena Gardiner dedicated her life to her art, usually working alone in her thatched cottage in Tarrant Monkton. One of her biggest achievements was the creation of around 45 books, all of which she wrote, illustrated and printed herself.
Her legacy also includes paintings, pastels and linocut prints in a style that is instantly recognisable for its exuberant use of colour and texture.
Summer-in-residence at Cotehele
Gardiner first came to Cotehele to create a guidebook for the National Trust but fell in love with the place and returned to exhibit her work in the Cotehele Gallery a number of times.
In 1999 she stayed for the summer, working in the drawing room of the house and demonstrating her linocutting technique to the public.She created many beautiful prints of Cotehele and the surrounding countryside during this time.
