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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



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Album Contents

Wigan Album

Greenough Street, Wigan

6 Comments

Jim Isherwood's Cobblers Shop Greeneough St circa 1950s
Jim Isherwood's Cobblers Shop Greeneough St circa 1950s
Photo: JohnAlan
Views: 2,801
Item #: 21284
I remember walking down Greenough St as a youngster and teenager in the 50s and 60s and stopping to look at Jim Isherwood's shop and wondering how awful his paintings on display where. In those days Jim was a struggling artist and on many occasions got traders and tradesmen to accept one or more of his paintings as payment in lieu. My Uncle Ernie had one or two paintings as payment for jobs he had done for him. Of course now (as in the case of many deceased artisits) his work is held in quite high esteem and commands good money. Just goes to show you what many at the time thought of his work can be proved so wrong. Or are you still not a fan?
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Comment by: irene roberts on 13th August 2012 at 18:57

'Fraid not, JohnAlan, but I love these photos.

Comment by: JohnAlan on 14th August 2012 at 08:31

Hi Irene I love these old photos and remember Jim always seemed to wear sandles no matter what the weather was like have longish hair and dress like a man of the road. Maybe a closet beatnik. I can't say I am a fan of his work but he does have some high profile fans e.g. Prince Charles, I believe. So presumably his work must have merit.

Comment by: Josh on 15th August 2012 at 10:43

Whether you like his work or not, it has integrity, Jim never wavered from what he believed in and this applies to some of the highest regarded artists in art history. He represented the world as he saw it and believed in what he was doing, regardless of others opinions. Van Gogh comes to mind. Just watch those prices!!

Comment by: JohnAlan on 15th August 2012 at 14:10

Josh, yes he was certainly a one off and his work was different and as you say talent is in the eye of the beholder. Wouldn't life be boring if everyone liked the same things?

Comment by: Maureen Andrews nee McGovern on 15th August 2012 at 18:48

At the time in particular I wasn't a fan of his work..but about five years a shop in Pemberton was selling his paintings which I couldn't afford.. but one of on the prints caught my eye titled 'The Lancashire Mine' it's just a blaze of colour and I love it..you never know.

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