Tribute to Alison Prosser, 1968 to 2016

"Thinking back to many happy childhood memories, including holidays at Tomintoul and Nethybridge, I was reminded of girl guide songs Alison taught us. Occasionally in recent years I reminded Alison of them, and she would laugh in the warm and gentle way she had. She enjoyed sharing memories, of our Gran and of her happy childhood on the farm at Langbank near Dunblane, and the countryside which she always loved, her love for her Mum and Dad. She radiated love.

 

"Alison went to school in Dunblane, then in Edinburgh. Her exceptional talent was art and her artistic eye translated into the person she was. She noticed things and people, really saw people, and was interested and caring. After school, Alison went on a gap year to Italy, then a foundation course at Leith School of Art with Lottie and Mark Cheverton, who were very supportive of her at a difficult time with her mental health. She went on to graduate with an honours degree from Edinburgh College of Art, and a post-graduate diploma from Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen. All of this she achieved with grit and determination despite huge struggles with mental illness. She positively wanted to say how painting helped and how it could help others. She was particularly interested in galleries such as the Gallery on the Corner which had an emphasis on Autistic support. One of the team there described her as "a hugely talented artist whose work was very popular." When a professor in France bought one of her paintings, Alison joked about being an international artist! Alison was asked to give talks and explain to large groups of gallery staff about what it is like to visit galleries and create art while experiencing mental health problems. Recently she was involved in the choice of art work for the new Royal Edinburgh hospital buildings.

 

"Two years ago it was confirmed that her kidneys were failing as a result of essential medication she had been on so long. Her cousin Fiona volunteered for a kidney transplant; after extensive tests she was found to be a match for Alison. It was an amazing offer made with the support of her husband and children. However, two scheduled operations were cancelled for medical reasons; a third attempt was to be made in this month, January, but it was not to be. She passed away on 15th December [2016] after a difficult period of dialysis. Since Alison was on the organ donor register, she donated her organs after her death; a transplant surgeon and his team flew up from Newcastle and operated just as she would have wanted."

 

Extracted from a tribute written by two of Alison's cousins. 

 

The painting above is by Alison and is entitled "Farm Scene" (watercolour and pastel on paper).