Haunting image of Derker

URBAN Landscape by Stuart Dawson

THE empty terraces of Derker and Werneth may look bleak but they have provided artist Stuart Dawson with inspiration for his latest exhibition.

Stuart, from Littleborough, specialises in industrial and urban architecture, and has featured Oldham before.

His latest solo exhibition “Urban Landscapes” will open at Littleborough Gallery, Church Street, tomorrow.

And the flier for the opening features Hartford Mill, Werneth, with empty terraces waiting to be flattened in front of it.

Stuart, who trained at Rochdale Art College, Liverpool Polytechnic and Bradford College, before studying printmaking at the Royal College of Art, works from a studio at Dean Clough, Halifax.

He explained: “The paintings present an ongoing interest in industrial and urban architecture. The areas around Rochdale and Oldham have provided the subject matter.”

The exhibition features his atmospheric watercolours capturing the disappearing parts of Oldham’s Housing Market Renewal areas.

Elizabeth White, the gallery owner, said: “Stuart’s previous exhibition was very popular. He has an established reputation and his work is very collectible and affordable.

“In the credit crunch we are finding that people are investing in art rather than the banks, where at least they can enjoy their money and hopefully make a profit.”

The exhibition is open until November 30. The preview evening is tomorrow and tickets are available by telephoning the gallery on 01706-377395.