In Memoriam: Tess Jaray
Norwich University of the Arts is deeply saddened by the passing of Tess Jaray, one of Britain’s most distinguished artists, educators and advocates for the visual arts.
Tess Jaray, who died earlier this month at the age of 88, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a painter, printmaker, teacher and thinker whose influence has been felt across generations of artists and throughout the wider cultural landscape.
A London-based artist, Tess studied at St Martin’s School of Art and the Slade School of Fine Art, where she later taught from 1968 until 1999. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she developed a distinctive visual language that explored rhythm, architecture, memory and space through abstraction, earning international recognition for work that combined intellectual rigour with profound visual sensitivity.
Her work is represented in major public collections including the Arts Council Collection, the British Museum, Tate and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her achievements were recognised through numerous honours, including becoming an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1995 and being elected a Royal Academician in 2010. In 2017, she was honoured for her services to Fine Art and Fine Art Education, reflecting her exceptional contribution both as an artist and as a teacher.
In 2017, Tess Jaray was awarded an Honorary Professorship by Norwich University of the Arts in recognition of her outstanding contribution to fine art and fine art education. Her connection to the university stretches back to 2016, when her work featured in Extra Terrestrial, a joint exhibition with sculptor Alison Wilding that opened the university’s East Gallery – marking the space’s inaugural show. She embodied the values of artistic excellence, curiosity and generosity that continue to inspire our community.
Tess Jaray’s contribution to contemporary art cannot be overstated. Through her paintings, prints and public works, she challenged us to see the world differently, revealing beauty and meaning in the structures and patterns that shape our everyday experience.
The University extends its sincere condolences to Tess’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were enriched by her work and friendship. Tess Jaray’s full obituary can be found on the Guardian news site.
