I was born in LIMEKILNS, near Dunfermline, Scotland. My father was very ill and my parents wanted me to have a secure future in the Civil Service. So I studied Commercial for four years but my favourite place was without a doubt the Art Department.
Some forty years later the PA to the Chief Executive of the agency Scottish Enterprise Fife told my husband
“I am two years younger than your wife, one day at school we were taken to the
School’s Art Room and I remember vividly seeing all her works exhibited on the walls,… I even spoke to her”!
I certainly was not aware of having such an impact on somebody!!!
But it’s strange how fate can intervene. I travelled to Dunfermline to sit the entrance exam. After climbing the stairs I said to the caretaker “Excuse me, is this where I sit the Civil Service Exam?”
He smiled and replied “Och no me dear, that was yesterday”. I just couldn’t believe it. All I could say was “Thank you God!”
I was accepted at Edinburgh College of Art. The diploma course in Art and Design was four years. During the first two years we discovered a wide range of subjects: anatomy, life drawing, painting, design, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, art history, etc. For the remaining two years we specialised in two subjects, while carrying on with art history, drawing and painting. I chose Stained-Glass and Jewellery. I loved working with glass, the way its lovely rich colours reacted with light. Three of my stained-glass windows are in our house in Bergerac. Jewellery was less relaxed but it was very rewarding to see the finished pieces.
During my Second Year I met Jean, my husband. A Frenchman from Bergerac, he had come with friends to watch a Scotland v France rugby game at Murrayfield… and I was there with college’s friends. We married the following year. Jean became an expat for SNCF, based in London. Later we had two lovely sons: Pierre and Jean-Luc. As for many wives/mothers in my situation my career per se changed direction: I had to say “Goodbye” to Stained-Glass. But I never stopped drawing, painting, and creating things.
A few years later Jean accepted a transfer to Stockholm. Sweden was fantastic for our sons and wonderful for my painting. I loved the colours of the granite rocks and beautiful snow scenes. One day I saw two elderly ladies huddled together, struggling in the snow. They made such an impression that during the night I got up, drew them in ink and next day I began an oil painting as I could remember them so vividly. The painting is still one of my favourites.
Two years later we moved back to London. We bought a house in Ealing. Before moving on to the French Lycée in South Kensington, the children went to the French Primary School in Brook Green; the Headmistress suggested I should give art classes to pupils: it was great fun. We did everything, from making costumes to painting a huge mural on the wall of the playground! We enjoyed living in London. We were able to discover the lovely countryside of Southern England, where I spent many days drawing and painting, from Sussex to Cornwall and that
special village of Mousehole! Closer to home, we found Burnham Beeches (Buckinghamshire) with beautiful woodlands in autumn and ancient pollarded trees: so interesting to draw! One day, nearby the pretty village of Old Amersham and just by chance, we discovered “the Bluebell Wood”. From then on, each year I would be there, with table, chair, drawing pads, pastel crayons, watercolours… even when the weather was inhospitable since I work “en plein air”: I do not use photos.
Whilst in Ealing I joined the local branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Great-Britain, exhibiting in various places around London. In 2002 my husband organised an exhibition at The Mall Gallery: it included 76 graduate artists
and designers as well as eight Royal Academicians who supported the event, including Anthony GREEN, Ken HOWARD and David MACH.
Later that year we moved to Scotland, “home” for me. Now I could paint and draw the beautiful countryside and scenery of my beloved country… weather permitting! I remained a member of the Embroiderers Guild. Exhibitions followed at regular intervals: Edinburgh, Perth, Dunfermline, Glentrothes, Lochgelly, Haddington, Glasgow... I also had a permanent exhibition at the five star Balbernie House Hotel (Fife).
In 2005, 2008 and 2011 I took part in the National Needlwork Archives’ Exhibitions entitled “Poetry in Stitches”. Each exhibition toured the country for many months. “Free-hand embroidery” requires many hours work but for me it is like painting with thread and needle: I love the 3D effect of using various textiles and different materials, including many beads!
In 2007 I had a major exhibition together with Manju SINHA, an international ceramist from New Delhi, at the Nehru Centre in London (part of India High Commission). The reason for this Scottish-Indian event was to celebrate the 60 th year Anniversary of India’s Independence. Our Guest of Honour was Brigadier Alastair BRUCE of CRIONAICH, a descendent of King Robert the BRUCE and of two Viceroys of India. Bagpiper, Scottish dancers, Indian’s musicians and
dancers, champagne, whisky… it was a wonderful opening ceremony enjoyed by everyone.
Gradually, blaming the Scottish weather, Jean became restless and in 2010 we moved to Bergerac, “home” for him… but it was very hard for me to tear myself away from my family and friends again. At least we knew our sons and their families (one in Paris, one in London) would love visiting us! The first year was difficult but I was very lucky to meet Liz WALKER who introduced me to
DLCI, where I’ve made many good friends through morning coffees and other events, raising money for charities: it has been a true blessing. Naturally I have carried on painting and exhibiting while creating works for local charities, including the Telethon, through two very friendly Embroidery classes, one in Bergerac and one in Serres and Montguyard where we meet once a month for the day.
But drawing and painting « on the spot » can bring surprises! In June this year, post lockdown Dordogne, I was ready to go looking for a poppy field (one of my favourite flowers). Jean sent out a “Help Please” message: we received several replies. The next Sunday, about 7 pm and after driving / searching for several hours up to Sarlat, we found one of the recommended fields only 15 km away from Bergerac. It was… just perrrfect! The setting, with trees in the background, different wild flowers among the poppies, a small path, the light through the trees creating a dappled effect: I just loved it. Moreover Jean was relieved because it was a quiet country road, there was space to park the car away from it, install the picnic table, etc. Just perfect for him to relax! Monday and Tuesday we were not free so we went mid-morning on Wednesday, a beautiful sunny day, my mind set for spending a day in paradise… only to discover that the farmer had ploughed the field: there were no poppies to be seen, not one! I was extremely disappointed!
Main events over the last three years worth mentioning: - June 2018: Second exhibition with Manju SINHA at The Nehru Centre in London. Brigadier Alastair BRUCE of CRIONAICH kindly agreed again to be our Guest of Honour. This time the private viewing took a more diplomatic turn with the additional
presence of India’s High Commissioner and his wife, as well as the French Deputy Ambassador.
- 26 th October 2019–03 rd February 2020: A solo exhibition at the magnificent Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries. On the opening day Heather STUART (CEO, Fife Cultural Trust) delivered a lovely speech, as did our Guest of Honour Lord BRODIE, president of the Franco-Scottish Society of Scotland, and Madame Florence PAÏS, French Consul General for Scotland.
Indeed Mrs PAÏS invited me to exhibit at the French Institute in Edinburgh… but that has been postponed due to the Coronavirus (same with an offer from the National Needlework Archives).
- 9 th to 17 th October 2020: Exhibition in Périgueux (Dordogne) with the Société des Beaux-Arts du Périgord, of which I am a member. I was also very surprised (and pleased) that in September I was awarded 1 st Prize of the Société’s Annual Competition. I was all the more touched that the jury were the artist-members and names and signatures were hidden.
Hopefully everything will go back to normal soon. In the mean time you can, if you wish, have a
look at my website where you will find some samples of my work: www.evelyn-bernardi.com
My husband tells me it will be upgraded “soon”. I guess we all know what “soon” means in Dordogne. Fortunately, we British remain as optimistic as ever.
Some forty years later the PA to the Chief Executive of the agency Scottish Enterprise Fife told my husband
“I am two years younger than your wife, one day at school we were taken to the
School’s Art Room and I remember vividly seeing all her works exhibited on the walls,… I even spoke to her”!
I certainly was not aware of having such an impact on somebody!!!
But it’s strange how fate can intervene. I travelled to Dunfermline to sit the entrance exam. After climbing the stairs I said to the caretaker “Excuse me, is this where I sit the Civil Service Exam?”
He smiled and replied “Och no me dear, that was yesterday”. I just couldn’t believe it. All I could say was “Thank you God!”
I was accepted at Edinburgh College of Art. The diploma course in Art and Design was four years. During the first two years we discovered a wide range of subjects: anatomy, life drawing, painting, design, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, art history, etc. For the remaining two years we specialised in two subjects, while carrying on with art history, drawing and painting. I chose Stained-Glass and Jewellery. I loved working with glass, the way its lovely rich colours reacted with light. Three of my stained-glass windows are in our house in Bergerac. Jewellery was less relaxed but it was very rewarding to see the finished pieces.
During my Second Year I met Jean, my husband. A Frenchman from Bergerac, he had come with friends to watch a Scotland v France rugby game at Murrayfield… and I was there with college’s friends. We married the following year. Jean became an expat for SNCF, based in London. Later we had two lovely sons: Pierre and Jean-Luc. As for many wives/mothers in my situation my career per se changed direction: I had to say “Goodbye” to Stained-Glass. But I never stopped drawing, painting, and creating things.
A few years later Jean accepted a transfer to Stockholm. Sweden was fantastic for our sons and wonderful for my painting. I loved the colours of the granite rocks and beautiful snow scenes. One day I saw two elderly ladies huddled together, struggling in the snow. They made such an impression that during the night I got up, drew them in ink and next day I began an oil painting as I could remember them so vividly. The painting is still one of my favourites.
Two years later we moved back to London. We bought a house in Ealing. Before moving on to the French Lycée in South Kensington, the children went to the French Primary School in Brook Green; the Headmistress suggested I should give art classes to pupils: it was great fun. We did everything, from making costumes to painting a huge mural on the wall of the playground! We enjoyed living in London. We were able to discover the lovely countryside of Southern England, where I spent many days drawing and painting, from Sussex to Cornwall and that
special village of Mousehole! Closer to home, we found Burnham Beeches (Buckinghamshire) with beautiful woodlands in autumn and ancient pollarded trees: so interesting to draw! One day, nearby the pretty village of Old Amersham and just by chance, we discovered “the Bluebell Wood”. From then on, each year I would be there, with table, chair, drawing pads, pastel crayons, watercolours… even when the weather was inhospitable since I work “en plein air”: I do not use photos.
Whilst in Ealing I joined the local branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Great-Britain, exhibiting in various places around London. In 2002 my husband organised an exhibition at The Mall Gallery: it included 76 graduate artists
and designers as well as eight Royal Academicians who supported the event, including Anthony GREEN, Ken HOWARD and David MACH.
Later that year we moved to Scotland, “home” for me. Now I could paint and draw the beautiful countryside and scenery of my beloved country… weather permitting! I remained a member of the Embroiderers Guild. Exhibitions followed at regular intervals: Edinburgh, Perth, Dunfermline, Glentrothes, Lochgelly, Haddington, Glasgow... I also had a permanent exhibition at the five star Balbernie House Hotel (Fife).
In 2005, 2008 and 2011 I took part in the National Needlwork Archives’ Exhibitions entitled “Poetry in Stitches”. Each exhibition toured the country for many months. “Free-hand embroidery” requires many hours work but for me it is like painting with thread and needle: I love the 3D effect of using various textiles and different materials, including many beads!
In 2007 I had a major exhibition together with Manju SINHA, an international ceramist from New Delhi, at the Nehru Centre in London (part of India High Commission). The reason for this Scottish-Indian event was to celebrate the 60 th year Anniversary of India’s Independence. Our Guest of Honour was Brigadier Alastair BRUCE of CRIONAICH, a descendent of King Robert the BRUCE and of two Viceroys of India. Bagpiper, Scottish dancers, Indian’s musicians and
dancers, champagne, whisky… it was a wonderful opening ceremony enjoyed by everyone.
Gradually, blaming the Scottish weather, Jean became restless and in 2010 we moved to Bergerac, “home” for him… but it was very hard for me to tear myself away from my family and friends again. At least we knew our sons and their families (one in Paris, one in London) would love visiting us! The first year was difficult but I was very lucky to meet Liz WALKER who introduced me to
DLCI, where I’ve made many good friends through morning coffees and other events, raising money for charities: it has been a true blessing. Naturally I have carried on painting and exhibiting while creating works for local charities, including the Telethon, through two very friendly Embroidery classes, one in Bergerac and one in Serres and Montguyard where we meet once a month for the day.
But drawing and painting « on the spot » can bring surprises! In June this year, post lockdown Dordogne, I was ready to go looking for a poppy field (one of my favourite flowers). Jean sent out a “Help Please” message: we received several replies. The next Sunday, about 7 pm and after driving / searching for several hours up to Sarlat, we found one of the recommended fields only 15 km away from Bergerac. It was… just perrrfect! The setting, with trees in the background, different wild flowers among the poppies, a small path, the light through the trees creating a dappled effect: I just loved it. Moreover Jean was relieved because it was a quiet country road, there was space to park the car away from it, install the picnic table, etc. Just perfect for him to relax! Monday and Tuesday we were not free so we went mid-morning on Wednesday, a beautiful sunny day, my mind set for spending a day in paradise… only to discover that the farmer had ploughed the field: there were no poppies to be seen, not one! I was extremely disappointed!
Main events over the last three years worth mentioning: - June 2018: Second exhibition with Manju SINHA at The Nehru Centre in London. Brigadier Alastair BRUCE of CRIONAICH kindly agreed again to be our Guest of Honour. This time the private viewing took a more diplomatic turn with the additional
presence of India’s High Commissioner and his wife, as well as the French Deputy Ambassador.
- 26 th October 2019–03 rd February 2020: A solo exhibition at the magnificent Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries. On the opening day Heather STUART (CEO, Fife Cultural Trust) delivered a lovely speech, as did our Guest of Honour Lord BRODIE, president of the Franco-Scottish Society of Scotland, and Madame Florence PAÏS, French Consul General for Scotland.
Indeed Mrs PAÏS invited me to exhibit at the French Institute in Edinburgh… but that has been postponed due to the Coronavirus (same with an offer from the National Needlework Archives).
- 9 th to 17 th October 2020: Exhibition in Périgueux (Dordogne) with the Société des Beaux-Arts du Périgord, of which I am a member. I was also very surprised (and pleased) that in September I was awarded 1 st Prize of the Société’s Annual Competition. I was all the more touched that the jury were the artist-members and names and signatures were hidden.
Hopefully everything will go back to normal soon. In the mean time you can, if you wish, have a
look at my website where you will find some samples of my work: www.evelyn-bernardi.com
My husband tells me it will be upgraded “soon”. I guess we all know what “soon” means in Dordogne. Fortunately, we British remain as optimistic as ever.