The Story of Wilder

I have fond memories as a child of spending school holidays visiting my Granny who lived in the Berkshire countryside. My brother, sister and I would play in the stream, build tree houses, have afternoon tea and sit for her art classes. Alas in her 90s, the test of time had affected her body causing failing eyesight - which led to a few surprise slugs on our dinner plates and driving over roundabouts - nevertheless, there remained streaks of the courageous woman she once was.

Conquering everything in her path, from driving a grand piano across Europe, to raising 3 children on her own, and even joining a canoeing expedition in her 90s, she was the foundation of our family until her death at the grand age of 102. She lived life to the full and more than measured up to her maiden name of Wilder right to the very end.

An artist by vocation she attended the Byam Shaw School of Art in London, where she developed her skills and continued to explore them until the age of 97 when she stopped drawing and painting. Before her death I developed a love of photography, documenting my explorations and discoveries on Instagram. Over the years my passion and interest have grown and this creative outlet allows me space and time away from my day to day life.

Despite suffering many personal tragedies, her perseverance always prevailed. Her attitude and my job as a nurse have shaped my perspective on life and to keep her memory alive I aim to live life fearlessly and let nothing hold me back.

All rights reserved. Copyright Frances Hardie 2017