Lilian Colbourn (1897 – 1967) was an artist known for her energetic and expressionist paintings and drawings. She spent happy years living and painting in the North Yorkshire fishing village of Staithes.

Painting in a few studios in the village, one being Sunnyside in Elliot’s Yard in Staithes.

Lilian’s paintings have been exhibited in London at Messum’s, with the last exhibition in 2004. Reaching acclaim in the 50’s and 60’s, because of a lack of gallery or individual promoting her work, she then slipped into relative obscurity.

I am privileged to be friends with Lilian’s daughter, and to have been able to look at some of the many items she retains of her mother’s work, including emotional oil paintings and sketches, and items relating to her life. I illustrate some tiles which were painted by Lilian in the village.

I hope this small slice of history appeals.