On the 30th December 2013 Cecilia Scurfield died peacefully in her sleep; she was 97. Cecilia was one of my very first sitters in 2009. And my oldest sitter. She was a regular customer in the vegetable shop where I worked, and I had my eye on her from the start of my interest in drawing older people; how could I resist such a charismatic and bright old lady! Cecilia was the youngest of seven children and the last survivor, all her siblings lived into their 90’s. At the funeral a very close friend of her’s Margret Alice, recalled a conversation with Cecilia a few weeks before she died where she said…’ When you come to my funeral, don’t be surprised if I sit up in my coffin and say ” how lovely to see you all!”‘.
Ceciulia Scurfield was a vivacious, and striking woman, she was married to the writer and poet George Scurfield, together they had many adventures and many children, everything they turned their hands to was a success. In my short friendship with her, she made a huge impression on me. I will not attempt to write about her life because I am not qualified to do so, however her son Matthew Scurfield, wrote a book called ‘ I could be anyone’, about his life, I am about to start reading it!
I know Cecilia will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved her.
Dear Malca.
We have met – many years ago when I had a studio in the top of St Gregory’s church tower. Anyway, just wanted to say how great your drawings are. I’m not dead yet was a fantastic show.
I also knew Cecilia, and had seen her only about two or three weeks before she died, for a game of Scrabble. Fantastic woman. An inspiration I’m sure you agree.
I love drawing and go to a life class in Shotesham, a village quite near to us, every Thursday. There are a few examples on my blog, from last october (and others previously) I prefer quick, 5-10 minute pen/pencil on A3-ish size, but am so inspired by your big charcoals (?) – I want to try and go BIG now!!
Really just wanted to let you know your work has been widely admired! Best, maddy
Maddy Pikarsky @Times Up
Telephone: 01508 493270 (07890 334107) Blog: http://www.drawinganddontaskwhy.blogspot.com
From: I’m Not Dead Yet Reply-To: I’m Not Dead Yet Date: Monday, 3 February 2014 10:20 To: Maddy Pikarsky Subject: [New post] Good bye to a very special lady
WordPress.com malca2013 posted: “On the 30th December 2013 Cecilia Scurfield died peacefully in her sleep; she was 97. Cecilia was one of my very first sitters in 2009. And my oldest sitter. She was a regular customer in the vegatable shop where I worked, and I had my eye on her from the”