Comments on: Hester Mallin, Artist & Autodidact Polymath

By: Clare Olinsky

Clare Olinsky — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 00:38:35 +0000

My father, Harry, was Hester’s brother; she was my aunt. She died in February 2018, my dad died in 2010.
My cousin told me about this site, and her interview. I’m familiar with her story- I could hear her talking as I read her words…
I would be so grateful if you could pass my email address to Joy, who left a comment saying she’d found the family in the 1911 census. Any information about my father’s side of my family would be welcome, if she could get in touch.
Both my dad Harry and my aunt Hester were reticent about their early life and wouldn’t be drawn on things- I am glad Hester was persuaded to talk, so soon before she died.
Thanks, Clare Olinsky

By: Joy

Joy — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 20:52:38 +0000

I have found the family on the 1911 census.. please pass on my email to the family and I will share anything else I can find

By: Tina curran

Tina curran — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 17:10:17 +0000

Loved reading this inspiring story ..love your paintings hester..also your beautiful garden..i lived in Langdale mansions during the 60s..so the paintings brought back lots of memories ..thank you.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 19:32:32 +0000

What an amazing and inspiring story despite the sad events running through it. I love the paintings, where Hester has created beauty in dereliction. They are truly wonderful. I was pleased to learn that she rose above the contempt of that horrible and cruel teacher in her early life after showing her talent for art, but so sad that Hester was subjected to such treatment. It must have been so frightening and bewildering. We live in a cruel world, but it sounds as if Hester created beauty on every path she trod, later with her gardening. A talented and special lady who I wish well. Thank you for this wonderful blog.

By: Peter Kennedy

Peter Kennedy — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 10:05:34 +0000

One of the most beautiful story blogs I have ever read & seen.

By: Ros

Ros — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 23:00:25 +0000

I find these paintings extraordinarily powerful in their intensity of vision, lack of sentimentality and their evocation of a whole once-teeming world bound by a few abandoned streets. They are a testimony to the human spirit’s ability to rise above unworthy housing conditions and much suffering to create better lives. I remember Hessel Street in its last gas-flickering years and the network of streets that was its hinterland. I too would love to see Hester’s photographs, as well as an exhibition of her work. And that 23rd-storey balcony garden is just wonderful!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 22:19:05 +0000

The paintings are very moving. They capture personal memories.
What an interesting lady Hester is.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 21:24:22 +0000

One of my cousins has just sent me a link to this wonderful article about our Aunt Hester Mallin and I’m writing to thank you for this amazing interview and enabling her to talk about her life in Stepney. It’s a surprise that she agreed to speak about things which are so personal and it’s certainly filled in many gaps for me. Aunt Hester was always a talented and unusual woman, very independent and courageous, and the article has touched us, her family, very deeply. It’s the first time that I’ve seen some of her paintings which are exceptionally good.

Most of her family live abroad and stay in weekly phone contact from afar. A few of us are the children of Hester’s older half-brothers, her father’s children from his first marriage which she didn’t mention in the interview. Only one cousin still lives in the London area and he and his wife visit her regularly. It’s far from being ideal but we care very deeply for her and appreciate that she has been able to express herself via this fascinating Blog. It’s also lovely to read the warm comments.

Many thanks for the wonderful article!

Ruth Sobol (Hester’s niece)

By: Adele Lester

Adele Lester — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 21:07:43 +0000

Thank you for bringing another East End artist to our attention, GA. I’m so proud when I read of people who although they grew up in adversity persevere and are self taught and follow their dreams. To 120, Hester Mallin.

By: Gary Arber

Gary Arber — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 16:50:21 +0000

I remember Hester well she use to be a regular visitor to my shop in Roman Road she was working as a librarian at the end of her working life, a well educated and very smart woman.
The last time that she visited my shop her health was failing, I am delighted that she is still with us.
She made no mention of her artistic talents when conversing, her work is exceptional.
I wish you well Hester.
Gary