Tess Jaray, British Artist Inspired by Architecture, 1937–2026
The artist produced geometric paintings of Renaissance architectural elements inspired by trips to Italy, and was the first female teacher at Slade School of Art
Tess Jaray, 2019. Photo: Turkina Faso
Tess Jaray, the British artist known for her abstract installations informed by architectural and geometric shapes, has passed away.
Jaray produced geometric paintings of Renaissance architectural elements, inspired by trips to Italy. Later works encompassed material experimentation with laser-cut acrylic and metal. Her work can also be spotted throughout the UK: from the terrazzo flooring of London Victoria train station (executed in 1985 and still visible today) to the stone floor of St. Mary’s Church in Nottingham (2012).
Jaray was also the first female teacher at Slade School of Art, where she had formerly been taught by Ernst Gombrich. She ran the school’s postgraduate course for almost thirty years.
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