Barbara Sampson
1948 – 2021
We sadly lost Barbara, our mother, in November 2021. A gifted artist and teacher, Barbara lived and worked in London. This short biography touches on the highlights of her artistic career. If you would like to share a memory or a photo then please email us at hello@barbarasampson.com.
Barbara’s creativity began to emerge in her early school life at McEntee Technical School in Walthamstow. She progressed to South West Essex Technical College (now Waltham Forest College) where she studied Textile Design specialising in children’s fashion. Her illustrative talent started to shine and for her end-of-term show she created a children’s room, designing everything in that room, from books and games to wallpapers and fabrics.
Barbara was asked to enter a competition for Galt Toys who were looking for new designers. She was highly recommended and when she began working for them on Great Marlborough Street, she considered this the start of her career. Barbara designed numerous games for Galt, starting with her unique Snakes and Ladders board when she was only 20 years old. The Snakes and Ladders board and her design for The Royal Game of Goose are part of the permanent collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.
Having been recognised as a talented illustrator, she began working for Studio Sanderson, designing wallpapers and freezes. It was here that Barbara’s famous ladybird, with six blue wellington boots, became her trade mark. Because she adopted this beetle as her mascot, Barbara’s friends would bring them from all over, and now there are more than 500 ladybirds in her collection. She then went on to illustrate several books for the publishers Dinosaur and World’s Work.
Barbara held exhibitions at, St. Martin’s in the Fields, the Garden Museum, St James's Piccadilly, the Wigmore Hall and The View in Chingford. As well as the exhibitions and art groups she held at home in Wanstead. She earned her MA at Chelsea College of Art which saw her carry out school and community projects that she invested a lot of care and attention into across London.
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Barbara with her granddaughter in 2021
She brought joy to so many with her work which is on display on the walls of customers and friends around the world. Through her art, Barbara shared the enchanting world she lives on in.
Spring was Barbara’s favourite season. After her diagnosis in late 2019, she was able to enjoy two more years, spending her last couple of summers in her garden. In 2021, it was more beautiful than ever, full of the life and colours she had created.