Pitman mining his artistic skill.
Byline: By Matt CaseyBrilliant blacksmith George Westgarth is lighting up the art world after a miner's helmet provided a glimmer of inspiration.
The pensioner found it at the bottom of a pit shaft in 1976 and it led the way to a new hobby.
George was inspired to paint mining scenes on the helmet and was so pleased with his efforts he entered his works of art in a competition, winning first prize.
Now, 27 years after the find, the 78-year-old great-grandad has been honoured for his artistic talents and the example he sets other old folk.
He has won the title of the Oldest Active Artist is the North East and is in line for national success.
George's work will be exhibited in the Museum of London and he will now be considered for of the national awards, the winners of which will be announced on June 4 in the capital.
Colliery blacksmith George, who has amassed a collection of painted pit helmets, said: "I found the miner's helmet in 1976 at the bottom of the pit shaft.
"It was very old and I just thought it was a shame to throw it away. I had always been interested in art and there was a local art contest.
"I painted some mining scenes on the helmet and I won first prize.
"I was obviously quite pleased with my first effort so I've continued painting and now have a varied selection to exhibit.
"I have branched out into sculpture, paintings and miners' banners.
"I learned to improve my art by joining a local art club and watching, and asking other artists if I had a query."
George, of Low Downs Road, Hetton, worked at Eppleton Colliery, near Hetton, for 43 years.
Now he works one day a week as a volunteer blacksmith creating fancy ram's head fire irons, chain links and other works at the Bowes Railway at Springwell, Washington.
He said: "Every day is a pleasure with no time to waste. I am training a young chap in the old skills of blacksmithing."
George's title was awarded by the charity Counsel and Care for the Elderly as part of its national campaign to encourage older people to continue with their artistic pursuits or even to take them up for the first time.
Tom Whitley, 75, of Pennywell, Sunderland, was named by the charity as the North East's second-oldest artist.
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| Publication: | Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England) |
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| Date: | May 14, 2003 |
| Words: | 401 |
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