Tributes have poured in following the death of Meriel Cooper, one of Bahrain’s leading expatriate artists, whose colourful work and warmth left an enduring mark on the kingdom’s artistic landscape and community.
Ms Cooper, who had lived in Bahrain since 2004, died at the age of 86 at Salmaniya Medical Complex last Sunday. She had struggled to regain her mobility after a bathroom fall about an year ago.
Remembering her artistic talent and distinctive spirit, Dr Sarah Clarke, who knew Ms Cooper for five years while living in the same compound in Jidhafs, described her as a formidable artist, passionate gardener and fervent supporter of migrant worker welfare and animal rights.
“Meriel was known for her detailed and strikingly colourful works that reflected her deep love of nature and Bahrain’s flora and fauna,” she said. “She worked in watercolours and produced a plethora of large artworks that adorn the walls of many homes and businesses in Bahrain and beyond.”
Drawing inspiration from her beloved gardens, Dr Clarke said Ms Cooper, who was born in Exeter, transformed several arid, sandy and neglected spaces in the compounds where she lived. “Never one to shy away from sharing her views and always enjoying a good argument, Meriel will be remembered for her passion, eye for colour and devotion to her two pets, one cat and a dog,” Dr Clarke said.
Another friend, John Luckie-Downe also paid tribute, describing Ms Cooper as ‘caring, warm-hearted, forthright and artistic.’
“There was so much to dear Meriel,” he said. “She dazzled us with her watercolours of such delicate beauty; she amazed us by turning her vision of the garden into a lush reality.
“There is no question, she was firm in her views, outspoken and engaged with vigour,” he added.
Mr Luckie-Downe recalled one of her paintings ‘Peonies’ which caught the eye of his wife Jody and now hangs in their music room.
“Meriel led such a fascinating life, and we greatly enjoyed the stories about her growing up in Africa and later moving to the US, where she lived for more than two decades working for the World Bank, before eventually making her way to Bahrain with her late husband Abdullah Wallace after their marriage in 2006.”
Mr Wallace, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 79 following a year-long battle with cancer, spent a lifetime working in journalism and magazine publishing. He became the Middle East editor for BBC News in the early 1970s and later held the same role at United Press International (UPI).
In 2004, he moved to Bahrain where he established the Institute of Journalism with City University, London, where he had been a lecturer. He spent the last 19 years of his life in Bahrain as a journalist, lecturer, educator and publisher.
“No word about Meriel is complete without mentioning one of Bahrain’s great wonders – Abdullah and Meriel’s garden,” Mr Luckie-Downe said. “It was an absolute delight. Sipping tea in the fragrant charm of that timeless spot was truly a heavenly gift.”
Ms Cooper participated in numerous exhibitions in Bahrain, including the ‘Exhibition of Watercolours’ at the More Words Gallery on Budaiya Highway in 2019.
She was also the only non-Bahraini artist selected to showcase her work at the 40th National Fine Arts Exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum in 2014.
Reflecting her love for animals, Ms Cooper also supported the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) by donating six artworks to a fundraiser at the British Embassy in 2015.
In addition to exhibiting her art, she shared her expertise through workshops and taught a 10-week watercolour course at Wild About Art in Juffair in 2020.
In an article published in the GDN’s sister publication Gulf Weekly, Ms Cooper said that since moving to the kingdom she had found that her work had become looser and more colourful, which she put down to a newfound happiness.
“Bahrain is wonderful,” she said at the time. “Every day I’m very happy to live here. The people are lovely, really delightful. We have been met with endless warmth and kindness. There are all sorts of nationalities that make living here a pleasure, as well as Bahrainis.
“There is a thriving art world going on with wonderful shows and other artists to work with. The quality of the work by contemporary Bahraini painters is remarkable. I find Bahrain an exciting place to live.”
n Dozens of Meriel’s artworks are currently available for sale, with proceeds going towards settling outstanding debts, supporting employees and benefiting the wider community. Those interested may contact 36009875 for further details.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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