Laimonis Mierins

Laimonis Mierins, 1929 – 2011, first came to the UK from Latvia in 1947.  After studying at Leeds College of Art and Goldsmiths he returned to teach at Leeds College of Art from 1965 to 1994. 

This retrospective exhibition to be held in the building he studied and taught in will show a range of paintings, drawings, prints and photographs from the 1940’s up until his death in 2011.

He exhibited his abstract paintings widely including shows at the Ferens Art Gallery, Hull; The Curwen Gallery, London; Dean Clough, Halifax; Cartwright Hall, Bradford and Bury Art Gallery and Museum as well as having important shows in Latvia.  His work is held in many private collections including the Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal; Arsenal Art Gallery, Riga; Huddersfield Art Gallery; Bankfield Museum, Halifax; Cartwright Hall, Bradford; Dean Clough, Halifax; Ferens Art Gallery, Hull and the collections of the University of Leeds, the University of York and Leeds College of Art.

Leigh Francis, a former student at Leeds College of Art, acknowledged that Laimonis was the model for his character Avid Merrion.

Quotes from past students

‘He was a lovely man, a great tutor and a massive influence. I was so sad when I heard he passed and will never forget the great times I had in his class. He was a brilliant artist!’
Leigh Francis, Actor and Comedian.

‘I think I became a good designer because of Lem. He taught me to really look and consider things carefully – traits which set me in good stead as designer. I’ve lost count of the number of designers whose careers and lives have been touched by Lem – he was just one of those people you meet in life who make an indelible impression.’
Phil Dean, Managing Director Turn-Key, London.

Were you a student or member of staff at the College when Laimonis was teaching? Share your memories below in the comments section...