"My interest
in art began in childhood. From the age of 11, at Bolton School,
I was particularly encouraged by the art master Mr. F.P. Young, and
I became secretary of the school Art and Craft Club. I
was also awarded the M A Mellodew Art Prize.
At about the age of 20
I visited a Wigan artist, Theodore Major, who was a great influence
in the development of my art. When I married his daughter Mary,
I found that living among a family of artists was of great benefit
to me. Although I received no formal further education in art
I served what I consider to be a form of apprenticeship under the
direction of Theodore Major.
During the whole time that I worked
in the mines I continued to paint in my spare time. When I reached
50 years of age I began to receive a coal industry pension, and as
my work in the coal mines naturally reduced as the industry contracted,
I was able to devote much more of my time to painting.
My working
life in the mines was quite strenuous and demanding, especially during
the last 15 years. I worked with a broad spectrum of people
and I feel that my life and art have been enriched by the experience.
I work mostly in oil paint on board, wood and canvas. I also use pastel
and water colour to a lesser degree. My present wife Cathy gives
me much moral support in my art work."
Exhibitions:
Building Design Partnership
Gallery, Preston (1970)
Turnpike Gallery, Leigh (May 1973)
Octagon
Theatre, Bolton (ca. 1976)
Portico Library, Manchester
(May 1983)
The Gallery, Manchester Arthouse, Manchester (May
2004)
The Lowry Hotel, Manchester (October 2005)
