In Memory of Mark Gordon

Mark was a very talented and popular artist who joined Banks Mill in 2014 occupying studio 4.11 until the end of 2021.  Although Mark moved out of the building, he remained an affiliate member being part of the Banks Mill community and regularly took part in Open Studio events, where he always did well selling his artwork. Mark would always make time to lend a hand in the run up to the events and we miss seeing him and his artwork around Banks Mill. 

Celebrating Mark by Anne Gordon 

“We as a family honour Marks life, his laughter, energy, dreams and the mark he left behind. Among our recollections of Mark as a young boy was his constant curiosity in all things creative. He was always asking deep questions and always drawing the friends and family around him who sat patiently while he did so. His creativity was boundless drawing inspiration from his grandfather who was a master craftsman and various family members who were creative. His art was recognised early on in his teens by his teacher who insisted on putting Mark’s work forward for the National Exhibition of Children’s Art. Mark was reluctant, but his teacher went ahead and entered his work. He won first prize out of 48,000 entries and the President of the Royal Academy of Arts, Sir Hugh Casson, presented him with his prize at the Mall Gallery in London. Mark never craved attention – he gave it in abundance. We think of him every day sometimes in silence, sometimes out loud. His laugh was as infectious as his humour. He kept us on our toes in the best way. The quiet without him feels foreign now and still too much but his energy lingers. 

We are surrounded by Mark’s creative legacy and his kindness and love which we will treasure for the rest of our lives.” 

Anne Gordon – Mark’s Mum