The works of well-known local artist Philip Bradshaw, who sadly died earlier this year, are to feature in free exhibitions at three Ashfield churches in November.

His family, including his widow, Karen, decided to put on the exhibition – A very special exhibition to celebrate the artwork of Philip Bradshaw – with the help of his friend, Ken Hardy, to honour Philip’s work over his lifetime.

Philip’s painting journey began by using watercolours in 1992. He was always interested in architecture, churches, and stately homes and loved the detail, feeling that he could learn to transfer his photographs into artworks that his family might like to frame and hang.

He was inspired by various artists, mainly David Curtis, Terry Harrison, Terence Cuneo, David Weston, Malcolm Root, and David Shepherd. Philip had over 80 books and he researched every cloud, wall and tree. His early works were of local scenes around Skegby, Stanton Hill and Teversal. He later progressed to other landmarks at Newstead Abbey, Chatsworth, Derbyshire, and Cornwall.

Philip completed approximately 60 paintings during his life. The last one was of his grandson Isaac, which he was still working on before he died.

After Philip’s death, Karen found many of the paintings which he had squirreled away in his storeroom. He felt that they would not be of interest to
viewers. Karen disagrees and they have now been framed and will be shown.

Philip hardly ever exhibited his work publicly, other than creating full-colour postcard sized copies that were sold locally.

The collection of paintings will be at St Andrew’s Church, Skegby, on Friday 8th and Saturday, 9th November; All Saints Church, Stanton
Hill, on Friday, 22nd November; and at St Katherine’s Church, Teversal Village, on Friday 29th and Saturday, 30th November.

All venues will be open from 10am to 3pm, where Philip’s family and friends will be serving refreshments.

Philip created many beautiful and accurate images that provide a time-capsule many older viewers might still remember. Most of these buildings no longer remain.

Karen and Ken have each donated two pieces of original artworks as prizes for a raffle. The sale of raffle tickets will close after all three exhibitions have ended at the end of November and the winners will be informed. All funds raised will be donated to the three churches.