Chelmsford & District National Trust Supporter Group

Report by Shirley Deering

On the evening of 13th November members welcomed speaker Catherine Pearson for a talk on the life and work of Rosemary Rutherford, a little known local artist. Born in Warwick in 1912, the daughter of Reverend Rutherford, Rosemary came to Essex in 1929 when her father was appointed Rector of Broomfield parish church, a position which he held until 1956. Both Rosemary and her older brother showed great artistic talent from an early age. As the daughter of a clergyman Rosemary was able to pursue studies at prestigious colleges, an opportunity not readily available to women in that era. Her particular interest was in creating friezes for churches, she hoped to become a freelance artist in the speciality, getting commissions from churches both in Britain and on the continent.

The second World War put an end to this ambition and Rosemary became involved in voluntary work for the Red Cross and as a VAD, (Voluntary Aid Detachment). She did indeed travel to Europe, not in the way she had hoped, but as a nurse in military hospitals. She frequently made sketches, both of her parents and the devastation and military action she saw around her. She hoped to become an accredited war artist but was not recognised as such during her life-time, however, her brother campaigned against what he saw as a great injustice and her work is now officially recognised.

In 1943 a bomb fell on the churchyard of Broomfield parish church, causing great damage and blowing out all the stained glass windows. Returning home after the war Rosemary realised there would be no call for her speciality of friezes and trained in making stained glass and designing church windows. Several of the replacement windows in Broomfield parish church were designed and made by Rosemary.

She had always suffered vision problems and sadly died in 1972, aged only 60, as a result of complications following an eye operation. Broomfield Parish is working very hard to get Rosemary Rutherford and her work better known. The church is open for guided tours every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Catherine very much hoped some members would feel able to visit and see Rosemary’s windows for themselves.