Barnstaple art trail introduced to celebrate local artists' legacy

A new art trail has been launched to celebrate the life of a popular Barnstaple painter who spent more than 30 years capturing the town on canvas.

The walking tour features 18 plaques installed across the town in memory of the late Rosemary Barrow, who died in 2019. 

Each plaque is positioned at the spot where the artist once stood with her sketchbook and paints, allowing visitors to see the town through her eyes. 

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Rosemary became a cherished figure in North Devon. She was a daily fixture on the local streets, often seen painting in all weathers.

Working first in oils and later in watercolour, she painted directly from life, documenting Barnstaple’s architecture and everyday scenes as they changed over time. 

Rosemary's work became a lasting record of the town’s character and development. 

Her son, Justin, said the project was a way for the community to see the full scale of her work.

"She painted everything outdoors. She was always out on the streets painting every single day right up to her death," he said. 

"We thought it would be a wonderful thing for the community to see her artwork.

“There are so many people at Pilton Street who have got pictures of my mum’s, which is part of the art trail.”

Justin explained that his mother became a "treasured member" of the town who loved to listen to the stories of the people she met while working. 

“She knew everybody. She was always a giver, and she also listened to a lot of people when she was on the streets,” he said.

“She always wanted to do things for people, and I think she would be overwhelmed by the response she’s got from her artwork.”

For Justin and his family, it was important to raise Rosemary’s profile and provide a free activity for everyone in the community to enjoy. 

“To go and do something that doesn’t cost is important at the moment. It’s wonderful to go and do.”

He added that the trail is an invitation for others to slow down and rediscover the town. 

"I think it raises your spirits a bit to see it. You can just go to the plaque, scan the QR code, and it will bring up the painting of the street that you are in.

“I would like to do some guided tours if anybody is interested. They could contact us through Facebook in the comments if they would like something like that.”

The trail is initially expected to run for four months, though there is potential for it to be extended.