Talented artist and Warwickshire Open Studios ‘driving force’ will be missed

Bryan Sapwell, who died last week, took on the role of chairman of what was then known as Warwickshire Artsweek in 2007, when the county council stopped running the biannual event.

Fellow local artist Corinna Spencer, of Warwickshire Open Studios, said: “For four years, Bryan worked tirelessly to promote the organisation and grew it into the success that it is today. He was also instrumental in gaining recognition for the event within the national community of Open Studios Network.”

In 2011, ill health forced Mr Sapwell to stand down as chairman, but he continued to work on the committee and the Rugby area group. A year later, the organisation changed its name and moved to being an annual summer event. In the last few months of his life, he was still actively involved in the development of Warwickshire Open Studios and worked hard to create a year-long programme to help artists promote themselves.

Bryan, who gained a fine art degree at the University of Central England after retiring from his career in business, had paintings and prints in collections across the country.

Mrs Spencer said: “On completing his studies in 2006 at the age of 70, he decided to use his many talents and experience to give something back to the community.

“He will be greatly missed by all the artists and makers both within Warwickshire and further afield, and particularly by the remaining members of the committee who have lost a friend as well as a colleague.”

Mr Sapwell’s funeral was held on Monday.