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Sam White
Born 1966
Lives and works in Malvern, England
www.sam-white.org.uk

Sam White works from her studio near the Malvern Hills, where
she makes art infl uenced by humankind. Memories, stories and
particularly genealogy form the basis of her practice.
White is interested in the juxtaposition of then and now, and this
leads on to her simple embroidery drawings. She compares the
tragic life of a small 19th century child with the lives of children
today. The 'thread of life' translated into continuous line drawings,
is a recurring theme of the artist, which to her represents the
continuity of humanity. 'Our language is rich with textile-based
metaphors. We may discuss interwoven lives and the thread that
binds us together, of losing the thread by which life hangs'.
What is most evident is the interest in the shape and form of the
fi gures and what meanings we, as a viewer, deduce. Simple lines
can portray emotion, physical exertion, character and empathy,
as seen in her Opium Toddler series which is inspired by a true story.
Bertha Annie Masson was born in Lambeth at 23 James Street on
the 8th November 1868. By 1871 she was living with her parents
and Aunt Margaret on Hawker Hill in Mitcheldean. Her mother, a
Laudanum addict committed suicide and her father was arrested
for manslaughter and kept for trial in Gloucester Prison. Bertha
was taken to live with John Barnett, a carpenter and his wife Mary
Ann, a couple who knew nothing about her. Her 14 year old Aunt
returned to Lambeth.
She must have continued to live there for some time as her father
tried to re-establish his career. Eventually she joined her father at
Pool Close in Pixton, Derbyshire. Bertha died tragically aged 7 of
scarlet fever on 13th May 1876.

SAM WHITE worked in fashion and then teaching for many years, but really
she wanted to pursue a career in art. In 2012 she graduated from Hereford
College of Art with a BA (Hons) Fine Art. Recent exhibitions include: Solo
Exhibition at Taurus Crafts, Lydney, Gloucestershire, UK (2014), Worcester Open
2013, Worcester Museum and Art Gallery, Worcester, UK (2013), A Picture for
Health: Open Exhibition, Worcester, UK (2013), Solo Exhibition - Showell Gallery,
Pershore, Worcestershire, UK (2012), Herefordshire Open Exhibition, Hereford
Museum and Art Gallery, Hereford, UK (2012), Hereford College of Arts Summer
Show, Hereford, UK (2012) and Field Work: Downstairs at Great Brampton
House, Great Brampton, UK (2011).

Above: Opium Toddler 14, 2013, Polyester Thread on Calico.
h: 28cm w: 28cm d: 4cm, Artist’s Collection.
Right: Opium Toddler 12, 2013, Polyester Thread on Calico.
h: 28cm w: 28cm d: 4cm, Artist’s Collection.

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