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Life's work of Cheshire artist with Alzheimer's goes on show

Life's work of Cheshire artist with Alzheimer's goes on show

BBC News05-04-2025

The life's work of a renowned artist with Alzheimer's is to go on display. John Renshaw's paintings will be on display at the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery later. Renshaw, 78, from Macclesfield, trained in Stockport and then went on to teach at its college.His daughter Anna Lomas said her father "remembers very little but his passion for art, painting, drawing, and literature is one thing he has not forgotten".
Amongst Renshaw's many achievements was being selected for the Royal Academy of Painters' Summer Exhibition in 2017.Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, cabinet member for community, culture and sport at Stockport Council, said: "We are delighted to host this special exhibition of John Renshaw's work."Through his connection with Stockport College, John is remembered fondly by colleagues and former students alike and this is a unique opportunity to see a diverse collection of his work all in one place."
Ms Lomas said: "Dad's love of painting, teaching, and talking about art is all consuming. "He is immensely proud of his career in this field, and making a difference to those he worked with and for along the way is something he cherishes deeply. "Now dad has Alzheimer's he remembers very little but his passion for art, painting, drawing, and literature is one thing he has not forgotten."She added: "We have chosen to show his work now so he can share his love with the public and be present to see how much it is appreciated."The exhibition will be by the Renshaw family and the University of Chester, where he was a long serving senior lecturer, head of department and Emeritus Professor of Fine Art.It will be hosted by Stockport Council, and will run until 18 May.
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