Bexhill Road Bridge (No. 15) on the Lancaster Canal, Ingol Preston

I have drawn and painted all my life. It enabled me to attend Blackpool Art College after leaving school. I graduated as an Illustrator; my path was set. My Father worked at BAe Warton for 40years; my mother raised 10 happy children and went on to run a hotel on Blackpool promenade. Sadly, my parents died in recent years, something I have dreaded all my life; however, they lived long and happy lives.

The bridge depicted in my acrylic painting is Bexhill Road Bridge in Ingol, Preston - number 15 on the Lancaster Canal at sunset close to my parents’ house. My father would walk his dog along this part of the canal, over the bridge and into Haslam Park. Today I often take the path, thinking of my parents, reminiscing, recalling happy days of a family. It was when I was on such a walk I decided to sketch the bridge, knowing how my father had loved the area. Over time, and many sketches I decided to paint the bridge. It was therapeutic for me, painting something my father had cherished, an environment that meant so much to him. This painting was for him.

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston city centre announced its Open Art Exhibition, it was good timing. I submitted my dad's painting for consideration. To my surprise it was accepted along with 406 other Prestonians. I didn’t expect what was to unfold. I received a call from a stranger explaining that she had visited The Harris Museum and had attempted to buy my painting, but she was informed it had been sold. I was so surprised at this news, I didn't expect it to sell, as I wanted to keep it, the painting was for my father, his memory.

I apologised, I explained I hadn’t been informed of the sale, I was so sorry for the lady, she seemed upset, losing the opportunity to buy the painting. She told me it had moved her, jumped out at her in the gallery, it reminded her of her younger days walking her dog along the towpath at Bridge 15. She asked if I would consider a commission, to create another painting of the bridge. I agreed and we planned to contact each other in a few weeks, I remembering her saying you have made my day. I contacted her after completing the painting and invited her toa viewing. She was so happy with it and insisted that it was going to a good home.

To this day I have never heard from the art lover who bought the first painting from The Harris Museum, I hope it brings the same happiness it brought to me painting it and the joy to the lady that placed the commission.