Builder makes more of the local landscape
Reporter: JENNIFER HOLLAMBY
Date published: 31 August 2009
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WHEN Tony Shaw was made redundant in January, last year, he was worried he might have a bit too much time on his hands.
But it has all brushed up pretty well for the former builder, who has developed an unlikely talent for art.
And now Tony (65), of Sidney Street, Higginshaw, will be putting us all in the picture with an exhibition of his works at Royton Library.
“I was a bit bored, so I decided to take up an art class in Shaw and it went really well,” he said.
“Things started to look like what I wanted them to look like and it all came together. I’m really surprised that I’ve done well with it, because I’ve never been into art before and it’s a world away from what I was doing as a builder, but I’m really proud.”
Tony takes inspiration from photos in the Chronicle to postcards to create landscape scenes in water-colour, oil and acrylics. Around 15 will be available to view and buy in Royton Library throughout September.
“I have turned my loft into a studio, so I can do my paintings there. Next time I go on holiday, I will take my water-colour pad, so I can paint the scenes I see,” he said.
“My favourite artist is probably William Turner. He created some really dramatic seascapes.”
And the wealth of opportunities available in Oldham has boosted more than just Tony’s grey cells.
He has also shed two stones in weight since February with the help of the Oldham Community Leisure-run gym at Crompton Pool.
He said: “I was diagnosed with the dreaded diabetes, so I had to do something about my weight and fitness.
“I had never really looked into it before, but I’ve been amazed by all the opportunities I’ve found to be available on my own doorstep, and they don’t cost a lot of money.
“I pay full-price, but if you are on certain benefits or don’t get much pension then you can get big discounts on these courses.
“I’m planning to start a computer course soon because I need to get on the ladder with IT. Everywhere I go, people ask me for an e-mail address or direct me to a website, so I’m starting to feel a bit ignorant that I can’t use computers. I’ve always liked having a busy life and I’m as busy as ever now. I don’t seem to get any free time.
“Any money I make from the exhibition will go on buying more art materials, because I enjoy it so much. I would definitely say to anyone who might be approaching retirement or is looking for something extra, to go along to their lifelong learning centre and see what’s on offer, because I was surprised by how much you can do.
“If I knew about all the things I could do with my time, I’d have taken redundancy at 15!”
For your free copy of the lifelong learning prospectus, freephone 0800 525 956 or e-mail lifelong.learning@oldham.gov.uk . Contact Oldham Community Leisure on:0161-621 3220.
