Artists > Will & Chris Illsley - Winter 2025
They studied at Leicester College of Art – Chris in Printed Textiles and Will in Furniture Design – and after several years of teaching, both set up their own studios – Chris producing hand-painted silk, and Will making pottery and sculpture.
They both resumed painting once again after closing Makers 20 years ago.
Will’s painting – often based on landscape or boats – is inspired by visits to Cornwall and Norfolk over the years, and contains a balance between representational and abstract – although he is equally happy producing work which can be totally abstract.
Chris’s painting – mainly still life – continues to be inspired by colour and pattern, and usually features flowers, fruit and ceramics. All her paintings in this exhibition are in oil on board or canvas.