The arts and mental health communities mourn the passing of Dr Jill Tattersall, the extraordinary artist, educator, and mental health advocate who died peacefully at her Sussex home on September 29, 2025, at the remarkable age of 96.
A Life of Creative Brilliance and Compassion
Dr Tattersall's multifaceted career spanned seven decades, during which she became renowned for her powerful abstract paintings and unwavering commitment to mental health awareness. Her journey began in the turbulent years of World War II, experiences that would profoundly shape both her art and her humanitarian outlook.
Revolutionising Mental Health Through Art
Perhaps her most significant legacy lies in her pioneering work bridging art and mental health. Following her own struggles with depression, Dr Tattersall became a powerful voice for destigmatising mental illness. She co-founded the influential Art and Therapy Centre in London during the 1970s, creating a sanctuary where art became a vehicle for healing and self-expression.
Her groundbreaking approach recognised the therapeutic power of creativity long before art therapy became mainstream. "Art isn't just about creating beautiful objects," she often said, "it's about finding the language to express what words cannot."
An Academic Trailblazer
For over thirty years, Dr Tattersall shaped young minds at Sussex University, where her innovative teaching methods inspired generations of students. Her interdisciplinary approach connected art with psychology, philosophy, and social sciences, creating a unique educational experience that challenged conventional boundaries.
Artistic Legacy That Endures
As an artist, Dr Tattersall's work evolved through several distinct phases, from her early figurative pieces to the bold abstract compositions that defined her mature style. Her paintings, characterised by their emotional depth and technical mastery, now grace collections worldwide, including the prestigious Government Art Collection.
A Personal Journey of Resilience
Behind her public achievements lay a story of remarkable personal resilience. Dr Tattersall navigated the challenges of single motherhood while maintaining her artistic practice and academic career - a testament to her extraordinary strength and determination.
Her later years saw no slowing of creative output, with exhibitions continuing into her nineties. She remained actively involved in mental health advocacy, using her platform to champion better support systems and reduce the stigma surrounding psychological wellbeing.
Dr Jill Tattersall's legacy lives on through her art, her students, and the countless lives she touched through her mental health advocacy. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and a community forever changed by her vision and compassion.
