TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved artist and teacher following his sudden death at the age of 61.
Barry Güstard taught art at Malmesbury School and produced a collection of vibrant paintings that reflected his colourful mind and life.
He went into education after leaving the ex-mining town of Seaham in County Durham for art school
He helped thousands of students over a teaching career that spanned more than 30 years and started art therapy for those in need.
Mr Güstard also inspired his daughter Eleanor who works in the education department at the Tate galleries.
“He was not just my dad, but my best friend, my guide through everything,” she said.
“The fate of a miner but the future of an artist, a teacher, with the kindest soul.
“He risked so much. He defied expectation.
“It is with his strength and resilience that I follow in his footsteps now. I finish what he started, I make him proud.”
A letter written to parents by Malmesbury School headteacher Brett Jouny and Tim Gilson, CEO of the Athelstan Trust which runs the school, said: “Barry was one of the kindest, most gentle and caring people we have ever met.
“You were always struck by his warmth and kindness – he cared deeply about his students, colleagues and Malmesbury School.
“He was a genuinely funny person who was very good at gentle humorous contributions to staff meetings that made everyone feel better, he was always the first person to ask how colleagues were doing and to support anyone.
“Barry leaves all of us who worked with him saddened but hugely privileged to have known and worked with him. He was a truly lovely man.”
Mr Güstard died on July 15 at home by his wife’s side.
His funeral is at Malmesbury Abbey, where he held the Stations of the Cross exhibition every Easter, at 1.30pm on Monday, August 15, followed by a celebration of his life and work at Winkworth Farm, Lea.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to wear something colourful.
Donations to mental health and arts charity Hospital Rooms, can be made here
Eleanor is hoping to curate an exhibition for the funeral and is asking anyone who owns one of Mr Güstard’s paintings to get in touch.
She can be contacted on Instagram @eleanor.sanghara or at eleanorgustard@hotmail.co.uk
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