June Crawshaw embarked on her painting career in her forties, beginning under the tutelage of her husband, Alwyn Crawshaw, who was teaching an art course near their home in Devon. Previously a professional potter, June transitioned to painting, working in acrylics, oils, and watercolours—the latter being her preferred medium. Her work, which largely drew inspiration from nature and rural landscapes, went on to be exhibited in galleries throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

The couple gained broader recognition in 1992 when June joined Alwyn as co-presenter of art instruction programs on Channel 4. Alwyn had started hosting the series A Brush with Art in 1988 and by its third season, Crawshaw Paints on Holiday, filmed in Mallorca, June had become a prominent on-screen partner. While Alwyn was known for his lively commentary, June offered a pragmatic and measured counterpart, creating a complementary dynamic that resonated with viewers. Their work led to multiple series produced for both the BBC and Channel 4, which found audiences worldwide.

Their television presence made them familiar cultural figures during the 1990s. They were affectionately dubbed “the Morecambe and Wise of the art world” by a BBC presenter and became known for catchphrases such as “Don’t fiddle” and “I’m happy with that!” Their prominence also inspired parodies, notably in the BBC comedy series The Fast Show, where actors Arabella Weir and Charlie Higson depicted caricatures of June and Alwyn, playing on Alwyn’s humorous aversion to the color black. Both June and Alwyn took the humor in good spirit, though their children reportedly grew weary of the ongoing jokes.

In their later years, the Crawshaws relocated to Norfolk, seeking a slower pace of life. Settling in the Norfolk Broads area, they found inspiration in the expansive skies and waterways, maintaining a boat on the Broads and continuing to paint in their converted Victorian home at Hickling. The house itself became a vibrant artistic space, adorned with the couple’s paintings and June’s colorful mosaics. June was known for her embrace of vivid color, resisting minimalist trends. Despite having separate studios, the Crawshaws maintained a close collaborative relationship, routinely seeking each other’s opinion on their artworks before sharing them publicly.

June Crawshaw, née Bridgman, was born in 1936 in Old Woking, Surrey. The daughter of Ernest Bridgman, an engineer at the Vickers aircraft factory, she left school early following her father’s death and worked in a glass factory. She met Alwyn through his twin sister Shirley and encouraged his art pursuits while he was employed as a commercial artist. She played a crucial role in supporting Alwyn’s decision in 1980 to leave commercial artwork and dedicate himself entirely to fine art.

Before painting, June had built a successful pottery business, though on a small scale, even turning down a significant order from Harrods due to time constraints. She described her shift to painting as a major mental adjustment, ultimately committing to viewing painting as a disciplined activity comparable to household work to overcome feelings of guilt when dedicating time to it.

Together with Alwyn, she founded the Society of Amateur Artists in 1992, which has since grown to over 30,000 members. June also authored several instructional books on painting, including Watercolour Made Easy, which shares insights aimed at helping beginners build confidence—a reflection of her own journey as a late starter in art.

Alwyn Crawshaw passed away in late 2025. June Crawshaw is survived by their three children: Clinton, a church pastor in California; Natalie; and Donna, who is also a professional artist.