Radstock Museum is to benefit from the copyright of beautiful local scenes by a local artist, thanks to his family, who have made the gesture in his memory.

The late Christopher John Marshall was born on 27th December 1951 at Paulton Maternity Hospital. He lived in Peasedown St John, and attended the village primary school. Christopher went on to pass his exams, and attend Norton Grammar School, where he achieved ‘A’ level Art.

Christopher’s art teacher, Mr John, encouraged him not to be shy about his artwork. His one and only employer was SWEB (South West Electricity Board) at Churchill Bridge, Bath, and also at Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton, where he worked in the drawing office as a cartographic surveyor – no doubt his drawing skills and accuracy to detail were a great asset.

Christopher spent most weekends going out and about locally, taking pictures of churches. He also loved creating pen and pencil drawings of buildings, including local scenes, such as the Market Hall in Radstock and Clandown Colliery – it was Christopher’s way of relaxing. At one time, he filled the top of his mother’s piano with his framed drawings, which he gave as presents.

Sadly in 1994, aged just 42, Christopher lost his fight for life at the Royal United Hospital after battling cerebral lymphoma. His passing was on 10th November 1994, exactly twenty years to the day he met his wife, Chris.

Chris said: “I first met Christopher on 10th November 1974, and we were married in June 1977. We went on to have two wonderful sons; Keith and James, who both live locally.”

Now, many years later, Chris and her sons have generously decided to give Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum the copyright to Christopher Marshall’s drawings. Chris said: “Christopher had a love of local history – we felt it would be a lasting tribute to his memory to give Radstock Museum permission to use his artwork to help raise funds for the museum.”

And so, Christopher’s beautiful and detailed drawings now feature on merchandise in the shop at Radstock Museum; where they have been carefully reproduced onto good-quality mugs, coasters, jotters and fridge magnets.

Lucy Tudor, Publicity Volunteer at Radstock Museum, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the lovely Christopher Marshall merchandise, and we hope local people will support the museum and shop locally for Christmas, as these will make unique presents. We would also like to sincerely thank Chris, Keith and James for kindly granting us permission to use the drawings to help raise vital funds.”

The museum shop is open during museum opening hours, and is accessible to non-museum visitors. The museum itself closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, 30th November for December and January.

However, the shop will be open on Saturday, 2nd December 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the museum’s Christmas Fair, and also Saturday, 9th and 16th December.

Everything sold in the museum shop raises essential funds to keep the museum running. When the museum re-opens on Thursday, 1st February, Christopher Marshall’s original drawings of local scenes will be on display at the museum as part of the spring exhibition.

Lucy Tudor