Passing Of Dr JOHN LLOYD (TAY volunteer curator)

It is with deep sadness that Midland Film And Art group (c/o The Art Yard) announces the death of long-term ‘Yardie’ volunteer and curator Dr John Lloyd on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024.

John volunteered to join the group in 2017 and became a sponsor when MFAA moved to the gallery in Cradley Heath where he developed the group’s ‘Drop-In’ Life Drawing sessions, which he held at the gallery on alternative Thursday evenings. Visitors to the gallery would most likely have met John during his Wednesday morning volunteering duties or at an Open Evening.

John studied art at the City of Birmingham College in 1969 where he undertook a two-year painting, printing and sculpture course while training to be a teacher.  He completed a BEd followed by a MEd in 1985 before completing his PhD in 2006.

In the early 1970s John taught at a school in Birmingham before pursuing a very successful career in the Public Health sector where he was highly regarded.

John did not take up serious painting or printing again until 2012 when the joined Avoncroft Art Society.  From 2017 he regularly exhibited his work at The Art Yard and became a ‘Friends’ exhibitor at the RBSA, undertaking several commissions. John was a member of Birmingham Art Circle.

At The Art Yard, John was one of the behind-the-scenes supporters who was passionate about maintaining a gallery and art space for community artists to exhibit their work at affordable prices.  It was John who also often fondly referred to gallery volunteers collectively as the ‘Yardies’.

Having always maintained an extremely active and healthy lifestyle, John’s passing followed a relatively short period of progressive illness from which he sadly did not recover.  On behalf of our patron, sponsors, resident artists, volunteers, members, friends and supporters we offer our deepest sympathy to John’s wife Sandra and to his children, grandchildren and extended family.

In memory of Dr John Lloyd

Donations to Reedham Children's Trust

can be made via JustGiving at RCN 312433

Reedham Children’s Trust provide life-changing support to transform lives of vulnerable children

STORY

John often donated to the Trust.

He would give up chocolate and biscuits for Lent and donate daily.

When he ran the Cobra races John would donate sponsorship to the Trust.

At Christmas John would give funds towards food vouchers.

In these ways John helped many vulnerable families.

John also designed Christmas cards for the charity.

John’s daughter Kate Lloyd said, “Dad was incredibly thoughtful and kind, and supportive of the work Reedham do for vulnerable children and families.”

Reedham Children’s Trust has been providing support for vulnerable and disadvantaged children for over 175 years. Collaborating with grassroots organisations and schools we offer practical, emotional and inspirational support, helping raise aspirations and transform the lives of vulnerable children.

'That's Life' exhibition.

This exhibition of art from life takes place at The Art Yard from 5th - 10th February 2024 as a special tribute to the volunteer work that John undertook at the gallery to support other artists.