John Thompson (1924 - 2011)

John Thompson was born into a poor family in a Oldham in 1924, he was the only surviving son to reach teenage years an so John had to leave school at 14 and  "bringing some money in". He worked in a variety of jobs for the next four decades, whilst continuing to indulge his passion for painting including designed Railway posters for local lines.

He spent five years at adult art evening classes where he studied life drawing, finding himself made redundant at the age of 56, he decided to follow what he wanted and become a full time artist, setting up studio at Alexandra Centre in Uppermill, Lancashire.

John Thomspon then found much success, with numerous well received solo exhibitions in many places including Manchester, Falmouth and London, with one of his works being purchased by the House of Lords, where it now hangs in the Committee Rooms.

A book covering John's life and work, entitled John Thompson - "Do you like 'em then" was published in 2006 with Clark Art in Hale. His work is seen firmly within the Northern School alongside artists including Alan Lowndes, Theodore Major and L S Lowry.

John Thompson died aged 87 on 16th July 2011.