Solo show has been real battle

From the archive, first published Friday 30th Sep 2005.

SHE has battled arthritis to continue painting the countryside she loves.

This week artist Vivien Bromley holds her first solo exhibition at the age of 67.

The display at Lyttelton House Gallery, Malvern, features paintings, drawings and prints of local scenes, including the Malvern Hills, Knightwick and Welland.

Mrs Bromley was determined to put on the show, despite her arthritis limiting her to only a few hours' painting per day.

"It shows even if you're disabled you can aim to do something with your life," she said. "It's a matter of having a more positive outlook on life."

Mrs Bromley moved from London to Malvern in 1983, after attending a painting class run by renowned local artist Aubrey Phillips and falling in love with the town.

She soon became well known in the area, supplying several galleries with paintings.

During the mid 1990s, her illness and family bereavements meant she put her work on hold for several years.

The encouragement of friends and family meant she started painting again, working mainly from photographs, and has been able to build up to her first exhibition.

"I've never had a one woman show in the whole of my 22 years in Malvern. I'm so excited," said Mrs Bromley.

Her exhibition is at the Lyttelton House Gallery, at the Priory Steps, Malvern, from Monday, October 3, for three weeks.

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