Christine is inspired by cityscapes

Chadderton artist Christine Lawley

A Chadderton painter who was tutored by legendary Salford artist Harold Riley will be the featured artist of the month at Manchester’s Blyth Gallery.

Christine Lawley’s paintings will be on show at the Stevenson Square gallery from September 30 to October 1.

Her works are a personal tribute to the Manchester and Salford cityscape, and capture a neglected architectural gem or a secret doorway in mellow watercolours. Her bigger works aim to express the beauty of scale and design of the cities’ landmark buildings.

Born in Salford in 1947, Christine (61) has been drawing and painting since she was a child. She has lived in Chadderton for over 20 years, and paints scenes at the Rochdale Canal, near the Rose of Lancaster pub.

Her love of cityscapes began when she went to school in Manchester. She explained: “It was near Strangeways, and we were surrounded by lovely Victorian Gothic buildings.

“Our teacher used to take us on to the streets sketching, and I developed a real fascination for them.

“Manchester has many beautiful buildings, like the town hall, and is completely different today with stunning modern architecture.”

In 1961 she attended Manchester School of Art and Harold Riley, who taught her at Saturday painting classes, encouraged her to paint the city scenes she loves so much.

Now a retired art teacher, she regularly undertakes commissions and her paintings have been published as a series of calendars.

The 2009 calendar, The Heart of Manchester, is produced in collaboration with St Peter’s Roman Catholic High School, Manchester, where she previously taught art, and Francis House Hospice, which will receive proceeds from sales.

Other works, depicting Canal Street in the gay village, have been produced as fine art prints.

Her original watercolours are held by both corporate clients and in private collections throughout the country.