Artist in wide range of media, born in Surbiton, Surrey, whose output included gestural, abstract works, as in his shared show at Barrett Marsden Gallery in 1999. Illsley was an apprentice stonemason, 1953; attended evening classes at Kingston School of Art, 1954–7; moved to St Ives, Cornwall, 1963, and worked part-time at the Leach Pottery, 1964–6. During that time he did some jewellery work with Breon O’Casey and from 1968–82 they were partners, after which Illsley went solo. He contributed to numerous jewellery shows: at Arnolfini in Bristol, also at the Ewan Phillips, Pace and Electrum Galleries. Other exhibitions included Marjory Parr, St Ives and London, 1969–72; Patrick Seale Gallery, 1981–2; Oxford Gallery, Oxford, 1981–3; Leeds City Art Gallery, 1983; Chiltern Sculpture Trail, 1990–1; and Jamison Thomas Gallery, Portland, Oregon, 1991.