Martin Edward Bates

Martin Edward Bates (1939 – 2025) was born in Derby to Florence and Harold Bates and had an elder brother Alan and a younger brother John.

He trained at Derby College of Art and then gained his Art Teacher’s Diploma at Cardiff College of Art. He taught in secondary schools – including Castleford Grammar School and Hemsworth High School in West Yorkshire − before taking up a post at Wakefield School of Art in 1972. He also exhibited locally.

He had two children, Karl and Lauren, each by a different partner.

Martin was involved in local poetry and music groups and, as a keen fell and road runner, was an active member of Wakefield Harriers and Denby Dale Athletics Club.