AN EYE-CATCHING painting by a Shaw artist has been generously donated to Saddleworth Parish Council to brighten up the walls at their Civic Hall home in Uppermill.
Hadrian Richards, who lives in Higher Crompton, spent 16 hours on the labour of love, which features ‘The Wimberry Stones, Saddleworth’ and will hang in the council chambers.
The former art teacher of 29 years explained: “I went part-time at Easter and the idea was to concentrate on my own art.
“Normally I paint 20×16 or smaller paintings, to go in houses. But I fancied doing something on a larger scale.
“I was driving past Dovestones one day and saw the rocks. I remembered I had some sketches and paintings of it and thought I could do something with that.
“It is quite monumental and iconic so it was ideal for a large painting.”
Hadrian, who specialises in painting landscapes and still lifes including market places in Shaw and Royton, created the work with a detailed, time-consuming process.
First he drew sketches to use as a template, then drew out his main painting, applied the under-painting and then glazed it with oil, and finished with a traditional gloss varnish.
“Then I didn’t know what to do with it!” Hadrian laughed, who has recently acquired his own studio.
“I didn’t want to sell it, just give it to someone where it could be appreciated.
“I offered it to Saddleworth Parish Council and they said yes straight away.”
Cllr Nikki Kirkham, chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, said: “I want to thank Hadrian so much for donating the fantastic painting to the Parish Council.
“It is a wonderful gesture and I am very pleased to be part of it during my year as chairman.”