A man credited with developing innovative ways of using the arts to bring about social change has died.
John Fox, the artistic director of Welfare State International, which he founded with Sue Gill in 1968 and was based in Barrow and later Ulverston, died at his home at Baycliff, overlooking Morecambe Bay.
A post from his family on Facebook said: “We are very sad to announce the death of John Fox who died peacefully at home. At John’s request we will be having a private family funeral.
“A celebratory gathering for all friends, neighbours and colleagues will take place in a few months’ time. All welcome.
“Our gratitude to St Mary’s Hospice at Home for their unwavering support and care.”
Among those paying tribute to John was Ali Pretty, who in 2023 visited the artist during a Morecambe Bay Partnership-funded project, Bay Lines, Beach of Dreams.
Ali said: “A huge gratitude to John Fox who inspired and encouraged me to follow the path of arts to strive for social change.
“And from that beginning in 1985 I’ve never looked back and so appreciative of being part of the movement that John and Sue set in motion.
“Sending love to all of us that will greatly feel the loss.”
The development of Welfare State International inspired generations of artists to express their work through fire festivals, lantern parades, community carnivals and site-specific theatre.
Both his son Dan and daughter Hannah have followed their father in creating stunning artistic work. Last month Dan exhibited several pieces at Baylight in Morecambe.
Sue Gill led summer schools in the UK, Denmark, Portugal, Australia, Canada and the USA between 1980 and 2006.
In 1991 and 1998 John received prestigious Northern Electric Awards for his “outstanding, vital and innovative contribution to the cultural identity of the North.”
Resident in Barrow from 1983 to 1990 and then in Ulverston from 1990, the organisation developed the distinctive Lanternhouse, a £2.2 million international centre which was praised for its architectural merit. Funding cuts in 2012 led to its closure.
A keen creative, John made woodcuts, and was exhibiting his work at Halton Mill near Lancaster earlier this year.
A published poet, he lectured regularly on themes of art and creativity at universities and conferences at home and abroad.
One of the many tributes described him as ‘a giant of outdoor theatre and celebration art.’
