Memorial exhibition to commemorate life of Burton Joyce-based artist and scout leader Peter Millward

A familiar face to hundreds of art students and members of the Scout Association has died aged 71.

Artist Peter Millward, based in Burton Joyce, was an art teacher for over three decades ­— teaching at institutions including Clarendon College and People’s College, the Society of Amateur Artists and community classes in Southwell library and Buttercross Art Club in Bingham.

A selection of his work will be exhibited at a memorial event open to the public at St Helen’s Church, Burton Joyce, on Saturday, October 29, between 12pm and 4pm.

It will include some of his Chinese brush paintings, oil paintings, watercolours as well as artefacts from his life.

As a tribute to Peter's love of teaching art, attendees can take home free art books from his vast collection to help them become better artists.

Peter’s brother, Anthony, said: “Peter loved teaching art more than anything else in the world. It seems only fitting that people continue to learn through him and explore the many art disciplines Peter was so fond of.”

Peter was also member of the Midland Chinese Brush Painting society based near Bingham and regularly volunteered at Patching Arts Centre near Calverton, where he also exhibited his works.

A friend and student of Peter’s, Shah Narwaz, said: “There should be a plaque erected in Burton Joyce as he was one of the best artists in Nottinghamshire.”

Another of his students added: “Peter, how you will be so very sadly missed. I loved your classes because of all the help and guidance you offered to us all.”

Outside of his artistic endeavours, Peter was prolific in his contributions to his community as a volunteer for the Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance and The Scout Association.

He became Scout leader at 1st Burton Joyce Cubs during the 1980’s and contributed to the organisation of the live variety Gang Show held at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, along with his late mother and fellow Scout Leader Muriel Millward.

The Scout Association recently made Peter a member of the Thane Rover Crew and an honorary Knight of West Yorkshire by Lord Michael Baden Powell, 4th Baron.

In 2018 Peter was made a fellow at Nottingham Trent University where he studied a Diploma in Art and Design specialising in ceramics.

Earlier in his career, Peter enlisted within the Territorial Army and became Millward. P.J.D. 24640692, joining the Royal Logistics Corps based at Grantham, serving within the role of Ambulance driver.

During the pandemic Peter continued to teach art online via Zoom for adult education platforms WEA and Inspire as well as providing art therapy for patients at Mapperley Hospital.

Originally from Dawlish Warren, Devon, Peter was raised as a small infant in a converted railway carriage, by his parents. As a child he moved to Nottingham so his father could take on a job at Boots.

He moved to Burton Joyce at the age of 14 and remained there until his passing.

Peter is survived by his brother Anthony Millward, his nephew Fraser, his niece Alaina and his great niece Amelie, 6 and great nephew Felix, 3.