George Baldessin and I took possession of 13 scrubby acres in St Andrews in 1970, a year before our wedding. From the beginning, the studio was George’s dream. It was all important to him, given priority over the house, which was not finished until after his death. It was vital to him that his studio should look good, and was solidly built, in the European way. He insisted on bluestone, even though it was devilishly difficult to handle, and added the stained glass door as a flourish. Friends, artists and neighbours helped to build the studio and establish the property. ‘Captain George’, or ‘GB’ was our fearless leader. During the 1970s the studio was alive with a passing parade of friends and artists including Fred Williams, Jan Senbergs, Jock Clutterbuck, Les Kossatz, Roger Kemp, Paul Partos and John Perceval, just to name a few. Tragically in 1978 George’s sudden death put a halt to all of this and we mourned the loss of a great friend, husband, father and artist.
Anyone who knew George could attest to his humanity, generosity and sense of community.
His life as an artist speaks to us through the quite remarkable body of work he left behind, and his life as a human being is remembered by those he helped, inspired, challenged, intrigued and taught. His dedication to, and total immersion in, his art contrasted with his ability and desire to stop and offer assistance and help where needed.
Excerpt from Forward from Baldessin & Friends – A commemorative folio
Image above: George Baldessin Personage, window and factory smoke No 2 1972 2nd state etching, aquatint and colour roll on …
Image above: Orest Keywan That Line 2023 steel 168 x 271 x 190cm Congratulations to Orest Keywan, Michael Snape and …
Image above: Andrew Antoniou Weird & Wonderful 2024 charcoal on paper 82 x 88 cm Congratulations to Andrew Antoniou who …