I wonder if Life Imitates Art, on the bowling greens of Plymouth.

These ladies are playing near the spot on Plymouth Hoe,

where legend has it, Sir Francis Drake insisted on finishing his game of bowls 

before sailing out to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Sabotage by the much loved and sadly missed, Plymouth artist, Beryl Cook. 

Les Grandes Baigneuses de Plymouth

Ladies enjoying a "dip" at the Tinside Lido on Plymouth Waterfront.

Ladies who lounge

The spirit of Beryl Cook lives on.
These ladies were enjoying the sunshine at the Tinside Lido last week.

Beryl Cook OBE,  born 10th September 1926 - died 28th May 2008,

Beryl was, and remains, probably Plymouth's most loved artist. 

Her paintings of  'large ladies' out on the town enjoying themselves were instantly recognisable,

capturing the bawdy atmosphere that characterises the spirit of a major Naval port. 

Here are a few of Beryl's paintings that give a flavour of her work.