For more than a quarter century, learning disabled artist Horace Lindezey has been crafting poignant blue ceramic plaques at Manchester’s Venture Arts studio, capturing the essence of those who have impacted his life in profound ways. From beloved celebrities to cherished friends and family, Lindezey’s ever-expanding collection serves as an intimate chronicle of the personal connections and milestones that have shaped his artistic journey.
A Tapestry of Lives Etched in Clay
Each plaque in Lindezey’s oeuvre tells a story, memorializing the lives of luminaries like David Bowie, Lady Diana, and Desmond Tutu, while also paying homage to those closer to home, such as his parents Emerald and Wilston Lindezey. Crafted with the assistance of ceramicist Caroline Tattersall, these plaques serve as tangible reminders of the joys, sorrows, and triumphs that bind us all.
I feel happy with making the plaques. I roll the clay on to the mould, paint it white, then I put the letters on it. I like showing them in exhibitions, in Blackburn and London. I like to see them out there – they are nice memories of some people that have died.
– Horace Lindezey
Celebrating Life’s Pivotal Moments
Lindezey’s plaques focus on the defining events that mark the human experience:
- Births – honoring the arrival of new life and the promise it holds
- Marriages – celebrating the power of love and the unions it forges
- Deaths – memorializing those who have passed, ensuring their legacy endures
Through this lens, Lindezey’s work becomes a testament to the universal experiences that connect us all, transcending the boundaries of fame and obscurity to reveal the shared humanity that lies beneath.
An Artistic Vision Realized
For over 25 years, Horace Lindezey has found a creative home at Venture Arts, a studio dedicated to empowering learning disabled artists. It is here, with the support of his fellow artists and the guidance of skilled ceramicists like Caroline Tattersall, that Lindezey’s unique vision has flourished, resulting in a body of work that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually striking.
Now, a limited edition book titled The Blue Plaques, signed by the artist himself, offers art enthusiasts and collectors a chance to delve deeper into Lindezey’s world. Available for purchase at venturearts.org, this book serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the human condition and preserve the memories of those we hold dear.
A Legacy Etched in Stone
As Horace Lindezey’s collection of ceramic blue plaques continues to grow, so too does the impact of his artistic legacy. Each plaque serves as a reminder of the indelible mark we all leave on the lives of those around us, and the power of art to preserve and celebrate that legacy for generations to come.
In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, Lindezey’s work serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the ties that bind us together and the importance of cherishing the moments and people that make life worth living. Through his plaques, Horace Lindezey has created a lasting testament to the enduring nature of love, memory, and the human spirit – a legacy that will endure long after we are gone.
