Sculptor, painter, printmaker and collagist who did a foundation course at Kingston Polytechnic, 1980–1, then attended Royal Academy for a diploma course, 1981–4, studying painting. It was in the south of France in 1980 that Ryder watched a friend making a wire fence and realised the material’s potential for sculpture. This resulted in such ambitious creations as Ring of Hares, shown in 1992 at Bruton Street Gallery. Ryder’s animals have a strong sense of place, give the impression of extreme animation and come into their own in an out-of-doors setting. Other mixed exhibitions in which she appeared included Christie’s inaugural Pick of the Graduates, 1984; Zürich Art Fair, Edward Totah Gallery, 1986; Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, 1989; and Art/London 90, Olympia.