A WOMAN whose work with concrete began in her father’s builders’ yard in Crediton and who became an internationally-recognised sculptor in concrete died last month.

She was Carole Vincent who had lived and worked near Boscastle, Cornwall since 1967. Her website says: "sculptor, artist, teacher, concrete technologist, designer, gardener, leader, friend." Carole’s funeral service will be held at Forrabury Church, Boscastle on Monday June 10 at 3pm.

The bereavement notice said "well-known and respected artist, teacher, designer and gardener. She exhibited at Chelsea Flower Show and her sculptures can be seen in many public spaces including Plymouth City Centre (sundial), Bude (Light 2000), Exeter (Pedestrians), Barnstaple, Torquay (Pedestrians), Jersey, Alderney and Edinburgh."

Her first association with concrete was from the age of nine when she helped make concrete blocks in her father’s builders yard - Berry and Vincent on Union Road - in Crediton.

She trained at Bath Academy of Art and settled at Boscastle. Her concern was improving the look of concrete, experimenting with different natural aggregates and creating a highly polished surface that shows the texture and enhances the natural stone colours.

Experiments with pigments took colour further with Carole’s enormous understanding of the technology of concrete and being meticulous.

She was supported by many in the concrete industry: she is a fellow of The Concrete Society, her show garden at Chelsea was sponsored by Blue Circle Industries (now Lafarge); the Concrete Centre used her expertise in courses at the Royal College of Art, and the British Cement Association has promoted her work for many years.

In 2005 it sponsored a major retrospective exhibition, “Concrete Works”, in the Jubilee Gallery of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. She was the first winner of the British Precast “Creativity in Concrete” award.

Websites about her and her work are well worth a visit.

Family flowers only are requested with donations, if desired, to Forrabury Church and Village Hall. These can be made through funeral directors Stephens and Hands, Trewalder, Delabole PL33 9ET.