Home / Arts and Entertainment / Suffolk Arts Icon Tarby Davenport Dies at 89
Suffolk Arts Icon Tarby Davenport Dies at 89
18 Oct
Summary
- Tarby Davenport, a Suffolk arts producer, passed away last month at 89.
- She founded The Weird and Wonderful Wood festival 30 years ago.
- Davenport was recognized with an MBE for her community arts contributions.
Arts producer Tarby Davenport, a prominent figure in Suffolk's cultural landscape, passed away last month at 89. She dedicated her life to creating opportunities and making the arts accessible to all. Her legacy includes founding The Weird and Wonderful Wood festival 30 years ago, which has since grown into a significant event attracting thousands.
Davenport's commitment to community arts was recognized with an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours. She settled in Wetherden in the mid-1970s and began fostering an artistic scene through local events. Her vision not only championed established artists but also provided early platforms for emerging talents and young people.
Her influence extended beyond Suffolk, with past work including engagements at the Millennium Dome and Glastonbury. Friends and family remember her as a warm, creative individual who consistently opened doors for others, leaving an indelible mark on East Anglia's arts scene.
