The Dales Countryside Museum, which she helped to establish, has added original works by Marie.
The paintings were once owned by Evelyn Cooper, Marie’s long-time housekeeper, who worked for her in the early 1960s.
Chair of the Friends of the Dales Countryside Museum, Martin Garside, said: “For many years we have played a role in providing financial support for acquisition purchases and match funding for projects – and we were particularly delighted to do so on this occasion, given that the museum is a huge part of Marie Hartley’s legacy.”
“Everyone will have their favourite but it’s hard not to be drawn to the painting of Thwaite in Swaledale, which is expertly composed, full of vivid contrasts, and includes people within it – two men on the bridge, and a woman and child.
“It was the stories of local people that fascinated Marie Hartley and which led to her founding the collection and the museum.”
Marie Hartley, along with collaborators Ella Pontefract and Joan Ingilby, produced a celebrated series of books about the Yorkshire Dales, using her own wood engraving blocks to illustrate the stories.
Although the museum already holds her sketchbooks, diaries and personal belongings, it had not previously owned any of her paintings.
The newly acquired pieces will go on display in the museum’s New Time gallery, alongside the umbrella she used while working outdoors.
Neil Heseltine, member champion for promoting understanding at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Marie Hartley perhaps did more than anyone to promote understanding and enjoyment of the Yorkshire Dales.
“Thanks to the Friends of the Dales Countryside Museum, we can put these three paintings on display and I’m sure they will be much enjoyed.”
