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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Billinge

15 Comments

BILLINGE HILL
BILLINGE HILL
Photo: RON HUNT
Views: 3,020
Item #: 31309
Another of Les Bott's paintings of Billinge Hill. I have just acquired another 30 of his paintings on postcards, but they are all of the St.Helens area.

Comment by: GW. on 3rd July 2019 at 17:56

Billinge Hill-St.Helens !!!....What's in a name? The oldest reference I've come across for Billinge is about 600.AD but with its natural topography lending itself as a fortress bastion it's more than likely been a settled area for many a millennium. That's before the Roman City of Coccium later to become Wigan and well before Hardshaw, the little village that would become St.Helens.......But I could be wrong. Another fine painting thanks Ron.

Comment by: Philip G. on 3rd July 2019 at 19:03

I hope you're keeping your postcards in an album Ron; 'lastic bands will never do. And do you have a favourite on-site postcard of Wigan? Answer on Album, please.

Comment by: Maureen on 3rd July 2019 at 19:13

Just lovely.

Comment by: RON HUNT on 3rd July 2019 at 22:35

Philip, I have 8 albums FULL of Wigan postcards and another album of just Wigan R.L. postcards. A couple of weeks ago I put them into categories, as when I went to look for a card I had to wade through every album but now I only need to look at a certain section i.e. Wigan,Standish, Upholland etc. Pubs, Halls, Cinemas, Amateur Sports, Speedway, etc. etc. Took me two weeks to sort them in to their categories I have intended to do it for years and now I've done it,which should save me some time in future. I am only interested in Wigan postcards. I probably hope to sell/swap any others I get.

Comment by: Philip G. on 3rd July 2019 at 23:05

That's the way to keep 'em' Ron: Bristol Fashion! Thanks.

Comment by: Veronica on 4th July 2019 at 11:15

Les seems very fond of Cadmium Yellow, looks like he mixes his greens too, not for him ready made greens. What do you think Philip.....?

Comment by: Philip G. on 4th July 2019 at 20:17

Yes, Les's yellows and greens had certainly been modified, Veronica. I also like the lacey foliage of his two large trees - Dib-dib, Dab-dab, nicely-placed.
This is the same scene as that recently submitted by John Peters - John having used less detail and more chunkiness (to good effect) than which Les had used (also to good effect) in his.
Ah! yes, Pen and wash: I seem to recall you mentioning your liking of this medium. So, perhaps you regard DTease's recent photo of The Barn - Haigh as being a worthy Pen and wash subject(?). Regards.

Comment by: Veronica on 4th July 2019 at 23:53

A barn door in Aspull is just as worthy of pen and wash, as double oak doors in a Dordogne 'rue'. A lasting souvenir for me Philip. A popular subject for any would be artist.

Comment by: Maureen on 5th July 2019 at 08:28

Cadmium yellow..Vincent Van Gogh's favorite colour.

Comment by: Veronica on 5th July 2019 at 12:16

A lovely colour Maureen - I also like quinacridone gold it positively glows in watercolour...

Comment by: Maureen on 5th July 2019 at 13:21

Veronica,I love burnt umber for shading..but then I love most colours.
I know Van Gogh wasn't the best artist that ever was,but he is the one person I wish that could have met..I don't know what it is about him ..I found one of his self portraits on images..Cliff printed it off ..I framed it and it now hangs on the living room wall..the song Starry starry night I just love.

Comment by: Veronica on 5th July 2019 at 18:12

Good rich colour Maureen and raw sienna...

Comment by: Veronica on 5th July 2019 at 18:18

Maureen I'm surprised you haven't copied the print yourself - I'm sure you would paint a good copy!

Comment by: Joan Neville on 31st August 2019 at 16:32

Would be interested in any Upholland postcards you have to sell .

Comment by: janet on 9th April 2023 at 05:39

Have just been given 2 paintings marked 'Les Bott' . Both of Liverpool docks, painted from the water from slightly different vantage points. Would suggest mid 1900s scene. Paintings are 14" x 12". What is the history of this artist please?

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