THE family of the artist Jean Williams have donated a collection of her work to be exhibited and sold to raise funds for The League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital.

Jean, who chose her Ludlow home in 1999 to be close to the hospital, was a staunch supporter of it and the League of Friends.

She passionately defended the hospital as she believed strongly in local care.

Jean, born in Crosby in 1928, moved to Asterton, Long Mynd, with husband Rex before relocating to Ludlow.

Both were trained artists and Jean tutored many adult fine art students to degree level and provided art classes including life drawing, still life, portraiture and landscapes at a wide range of venues.

For many years she was a driving force behind the Ludlow Art Society and served as treasurer, secretary, chairwoman and exhibition organiser.

In the warmer weather Jean was often seen sketching the stunning Shropshire landscapes and frequently led group art events in and around Ludlow.

Jean used her studio time to develop her sketches into oil painting, finished water colours and many commissions. She exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions at venues such as Ludlow Assembly Rooms and Dinham House in Ludlow.

On at least two occasions Jean was admitted to Ludlow Hospital and knowing that she was so close to home twice gave her the determination to fight her way back to better health.

To commemorate the care she had received and the enjoyment of time spent with friends in the hospital café she was determined she should make some contribution to the future of the hospital she loved.

Jean died, aged 83, in Shrewsbury Hospital.

Peter Corfield, chairman of the Hospital League of Friends that has contributed more than £260,000 to the hospital, has described the donation of the paintings as “an extremely generous gesture.”

The exhibition will be opened with a reception on Thursday August 15. It will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday August 15 and 16 from 10am to 4pm at Ludlow Methodist Church.

Admission to the exhibition is free of charge, although donations to the League of Friends would be appreciated.