grand river gallery

HAROLD BIRTWISTLE

.....as is always the case with serendipity, Harold showed up at just the right time.

With Friday the Thirteenth just around the corner, and thousands of motorcyclists heading through town on their way to Port Dover to partake of the partying that happens there every Fri 13th , I was scrambling to find some motorcycle art to entice the bikers to come into the gallery and give them a reason to stop and shop while here in Caledonia.

There he was, just looking into the front window while I was on my way out to pick up some prints early one morning, and we struck up a conversation.

"I'm a bit of an artist myself too, you know."  he said, " My favorite subjects are motor bikes!"

What great good fortune that turned out to be.

Harold retired from the police force in jolly olde England a few years ago, ....yes.... a real "Bobby" he was, and he has been painting for most of his life.

I think you'll agree that he is a darn good painter too!!!

As with most great artists, he seems almost quietly unaware of his skills, and is both modest and humble about the work he does with his paints and his brushes.

What a pleasure to be able to present his works here at the gallery for all to enjoy, and for a lucky few, an original to own.