New art gallery in Castleton

Watercolour paintings by the local artist Geoff Butterworth - 1st Prize an original painting

3 More Image(s) In Gallery

A new charity art gallery in Castleton housing three floors of local artist Geoff Butterworth’s paintings will open to the public for the first time this weekend.

One of the Whitworth artist’s original works, a painting of Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, is one of many pieces set to be displayed at the Castleton Bank Gallery from 12.00pm to 4.00pm this Saturday and Sunday.

Rochdale Online Director John Kay, who has donated the use of his Castleton building for the weekend for the event, spoke about his long-time friend, Geoff: “He is an exceptional watercolour artist but he has done some oil paintings, too. He also has some prints which are much lower prices than the originals.

“He used to ride a motorbike but he had an accident which meant he couldn’t be an engineer anymore, but that’s when he found his talent for painting. He has had to do that for his livelihood but now he is getting properly recognised.

“Most of the paintings are worth over £500, but at that price it’s an investment. Now is the time to buy one. Geoff will be doing a short talk as well and he is actually very amusing.”

The event will be raising money for the Rochdale Connections Trust, as John also explained the work that the charity carries out: “One of their main projects is to train people to be high standard mentors and match them with troubled young people so they can try and help them make something of their life. It reminds them that someone is always interested in them.”

The art gallery is free to attend and will include a charity raffle, with tickets set to be sold for £1 each. Geoff’s painting of Yorkshire Street will be the first prize and a series of the artist’s prints will be runners-up prizes.

The prize winners will be announced on 3 November at an event hosted by the Rotary Club of Rochdale, which is sponsoring this weekend’s event. A series of further art exhibitions will take place up until and beyond that date.

Mr Kay has invited any organisations that wish to get involved with the upcoming events, have their group events at one of the galleries or want to organise a talk with Geoff to get in touch with him. If you wish to contact him, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk and your details will be passed on.

View Geoff Butterworth Fine Arts watercolours