Peter A Leigh: A Life’s Work

Hi we are Lucy Troubridge, Ruth Rollason and Russell Chater. Artists and close friends of the late Peter A Leigh.

Peter, a prolific and talented artist, tragically died in October 2022 by suicide following the death of his partner David. He left behind a huge body of work, left in trust to us by his family. It is our wish to raise money for charity through the sale of his artworks, giving Peter the legacy he deserves, and for something positive to come from this tragic story.

Please read below further details about Peter and our plans for his work.

Although passionate about art throughout his life, Peter A Leigh (1963 – 2022) was late to formally study due to being a full-time Carer for his Mother (herself an accomplished artist). Peter achieved a first-class BA Fine Art degree from UCA Canterbury in 2020 and had started a MA Fine Art degree also at UCA Canterbury in 2022. Along with his long-term partner David, Peter had moved to Ramsgate in 2016, and the two were very active in the community – supporting many creative, charitable and LGBTQIA+ causes. The pair were also incredibly supportive of, and devoted to, each other. Peter supported David who had a number of underlying health conditions including COPD and diabetes. In turn, David supported Peter as an artist and was an avid promoter of his work. Their love for one another radiated.

David's conditions would prove fatal, as he passed away from Covid-related issues in October 2022, just 1 day before he and Peter were due to be formally married. The tragedy of this proved too much for Peter, who had suffered mental health issues throughout his life, and he took his own life just a few days later.

The couple have left behind many grief-stricken family members and friends. The pair are greatly missed by the Ramsgate community and beyond. It is our intention to raise funds through the sale of Peter's work with three concurrent exhibitions of Peter’s art in Ramsgate at

Radford House (www.ramsgatetown.org/our-community/radfordhouse),

Arts In Ramsgate (www.artsinramsgate.org.uk) and

Hold Creative Spaces (www.holdcreativespaces.co.uk)

from 18 – 20 August 2023. The shows will simply be entitled: ‘Peter A Leigh: A Life’s Work’. All are welcome to visit and the public will see the breadth and quality of Peters practice, which encompassed painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and installation. Although eclectic, his aesthetic was consistently colourful, abstract and graphic – referencing pop art, cubism and art povera. Peter's instagram is still open @peter_a_leigh_art

to see examples of his work.

Proceeds from sales will be split between ‘Arts in Ramsgate’ (www.artsinramsgate.org.uk), a ‘not-for-profit’ inclusive space that runs creative and well-being sessions with and for the local community, and East Kent Mind (www.eastkentmind.org.uk) a Thanet mental health charity who have a branch in Ramsgate. This will bring a positive note to a truly tragic story. Having Peter’s work go out into the local community and (hopefully) beyond will also be a fitting legacy to a much loved and respected artist who would have been 60 this year.

If any of the above has resonated with you we would be delighted to see you during the exhibitions. If you’re unable to attend but would still like to contribute, we would welcome any contribution, no matter how small.

Thank you,

Lucy Troubridge, Ruth Rollason and Russell Chater