Lorraine Tapper: Artist and Resident

In a world that often values youth and early success, it’s refreshing and inspiring to come across the story of Lorraine Tapper’s remarkable success as an artist late in life after a long career as a social worker. 

Hackney-born Lorraine, now a Newham resident, defied societal expectations and embarked on a creative journey in her sixties. 

The fascinating thing is that she had never had any interest in the world of arts until her chance encounter with her art teacher, Eleanor Pearce whom she credits with her success. 

As a woman of colour of Caribbean descent, she always believed that the arts were for other people and not for people of colour. 

At the age of 67, with a profound passion and love for visual arts, Lorraine is now flourishing in the realm of great artists. Quoting George Elliot, she quips, “It is never too late to be what you might have been’’ and says her artistic expression is influenced by the vibrant colours of the Caribbean and her life experiences. 

According to the artist, one of the advantages of starting later in life is the wealth of experience that she has been able to draw from her personal journey, her resilience, identity, and the human condition. Her artwork became a reflection of her life, capturing the essence of emotions, memories, and the wisdom she had gained over the years, but most importantly, the vibrant colours of the Caribbean and Africa, the land of her forefathers. 

Her exhibitions received critical acclaim, and her artwork began to find a place in galleries and private collections. Despite the initial scepticism surrounding her late start, Tapper’s talent and unique perspective resonated with art enthusiasts, establishing her as a successful artist. 

Starting creative work later in life is not without its challenges, but Lorraine has overcome self-doubt and has caught up with artists who have devoted their lives to their craft. 

Article by Sheila Nursimhulu published with permission from Newham Voices.