Local artist and historian reveal the history of Westbury Leigh

ARTIST Lesley Longworth and local historian, Lily Munday, have joined forces in a exhibition that tells the story of Westbury Leigh through its residents. 

As part of the Westbury Festival, Lesley and Lily created an exhibition documenting the village and its residents in artwork, photographs, interwoven with biographies and the history of the village. 

Lesley told White Horse News, “It all started over a year and a half ago when I painted a portrait of a lady down the road. She had the most interesting facial features. And from then I thought it would be a great idea to paint pictures of people in the village. 

“Seeing these people and speaking to them about the town, and seeing their wonderful historic houses, it all started to amalgamate together. 

“I then heard of Lily Munday who was born in the house she lives in now and has lived there ever since and I asked her to come on board – and to my delight she said yes!

“Together we then visited people’s houses and the exhibition started there.

“It has really sparked interest within the community and has truly brought people together. Over 90 people have visited the exhibition, with some meeting with old friends. 

“It really is an enormous project that has turned out wonderful. Westbury Leigh is a lovely place to live that is full of listed buildings and history that has been overlooked. 

“With the growth of Westbury, it seems to have been swamped. People know a lot about the history of Westbury and Dilton Marsh but not so much is recorded about Westbury Leigh, so it has been fascinating to find out about it. 

“The whole exhibition has now been dedicated in memory of Susan McDonald. Susan was the very first portrait I painted and sadly just after I finished, she passed away. So we thought it would be right and proper to do it in her memory. 

“Her death, and the death of another resident that I was going to paint really gave me the feeling that once you are gone, that’s it, all memories are lost, so it encouraged me to do the exhibition to make sure information about the people and the village is recorded. 

“We will continue on with the project and are looking to people in the village to come forward with any information they have about their home, themselves or the village itself. If you do have any information you can contact me on 07712 432511 or email lesley longworth@hotmail.com.” 

When asked how long each portrait takes to complete, Lesley said, “Each painting is very different in terms of the size and the medium I use. I have some which are oil painting, others which are charcoal so it depends. But all are many, many hours work. 

“I have a few on the go at the same time, as some mediums require each layer to dry before I can continue. But most definitely, days and days worth of work.”

Pictured top right: Mayor Mike Sutton for Westbury Town Council, Westbury Festival’s main sponsors. Lesley Longworth artist and organiser of the event, which was held in her house and studio. Lily Munday local historian and archivist who has curated all the information and Jane Russ Westbury Festival Committee member.