Local artist's painting goes to blazes
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 09 December 2019
Moorland blaze painting
Acclaimed local artist Diana Terry did not mind her dramatic painting going up in smoke ... because it was all for a good cause.
Diana captured the harrowing scene, aptly titled “Too close to home,” at the height of a series of horrific fires that swept moorland near her Diggle home.
And the innovative artist turned her talents to community use by donating £250 raised after selling the painting to Gallery Oldham to Saddleworth’s heroes of the hills, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.
Diana said: “ An original painting has been chosen for the gallery’s permanent collection and another is selected for the Manchester Open exhibition beginning in January.
“After the devastating fires around Mossley in 2018, I collected images and drawings of the scenes.
“These were developed into prints in my studio at Woodend Mill, Mossley. Later moors above Marsden and Saddleworth were ablaze in February 2019.
“The fires had devastating effects on the ecology of the moors which are a resource as valuable as the tropical rain forest in combating climate change,” she added.
“The fires had a huge impact on the community too, she added. “At one point, homes had to be evacuated and others were under serious threat.
“Oldham Mountain Rescue Team played an invaluable role combatting the fires. I just wanted to record the community’s appreciation for their efforts.”
An OMRT spokesperson said: “this is a lovely gesture by Diana. We are ever mindful of the creative and generous fund raising initiatives by our marvellous supporters.”
Signed prints of the blaze are available from Diana at Woodend Mill. They are A4 at £50 and A3 at £80 unframed. Half of money will be continue to be donated to OMRT. Contact Diana via her website: www.diterry.com
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