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Tributes paid to Arnolfini co-founder Annabel Rees
Tributes have been paid to Annabel Rees, the co-founder of arts institution Arnolfini, who has passed away.
Annabel helped set up renowned gallery in 1961 with Jeremy Rees, whom she later married, and painter John Orsborn.
She was just 19 when the trio launched Arnolfini in a rented space above a Clifton Triangle bookshop, laying the foundations for what would become one of the UK’s leading centres for contemporary art.
In a statement, Arnolfini described Annabel as “a highly intelligent, witty, kind woman, deeply immersed in the arts”, adding that the gallery “would not have been the same without her”.
Annabel at the inaugural opening evening at Arnolfini in 1961 with co-founders Jeremy Rees and John Orsborn – photo: Arnolfini
Born with a passion for the arts that was encouraged by her father, Annabel studied at Chelsea School of Art and the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, specialising in textile design.
She met Jeremy in London in 1957 while he was studying at the London College of Printing.
Annabel worked at the Arnolfini during its formative years and became a well-know figure in Bristol’s growing arts scene.
While raising a family, she continued to play an active role in the gallery’s development, serving as a board member and supporter through the 1970s and 1980s.
In recent years, Rees often travelled from her home in west Wales to attend exhibitions and events in our city.
Entry is free to the gallery overlooking the Floating Harbour which also features a cafe/bar, bookshop and event space – photo: Harry Pugsley
Suzanne Rolt, director of the Arnolfini, said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet Annabel last year when she attended an event here to mark the 50th anniversary year of Arnolfini moving into Bush House.
“We reminisced together and began a conversation which I hoped to continue over many years, so it was desperately sad to hear of her passing.
“Few of us have the chance to do something truly remarkable in our life but Annabel did – her talent and passion was essential to Arnolfini’s creation story and her legacy very much lives on in today’s Arnolfini.
“We know just how much she will be missed by family, friends and the wider Arnolfini community, but hope we can continue to work in a way that keeps Jeremy and Annabel’s original vision vital and as powerful as ever.”
Annabel is survived by her daughters, Natasha and Justine.
Main photo: Lisa Whiting
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