5th November 2024
Michael White, aged 66, started painting when he moved to Barrow in 2017 and became a member of Furness Creatives, a local arts and crafts group.
Michael has had one of his works ‘The Last Supper’ in an exhibition in Manchester Art Gallery (Grayson’s exhibition) under his ‘nom de brosse’ Henry Mawcat. Comedian Joe Lycett, who was quoted as saying ‘The Last Supper’ was the “best picture I’ve seen in years” has since purchased the work for his own private collection.
Funding from the Cumbria Cultural Fund was used to purchase good quality paints and canvas for an exhibition, and materials to build a temporary gallery in the town of Barrow.
Michael said: “The ‘End of the Road Exhibition’ was held on 13 May 2022. The event was well attended by friends, neighbours and members of the arts community. A catalogue of the works was produced, and the quality of the artwork was much improved by having decent canvas.”
Michael continues to paint and is planning another exhibition in Barrow in 2025.
He said: “The last exhibition, supported by the Foundation’s Cultural Fund, gave me the confidence and experience to plan another, and create a whole new set of unseen work for the next exhibition.”
Michael’s story shows that support for arts and creative practice can have a positive impact at all stages of life.