VANESSA DIXON charts the changing face of Tameside through a series of vibrant paintings in her new exhibition entitled “Ashton Places and Tameside Landmarks”.
A native of Waterloo, and largely self-taught, Vanessa started painting in the early Seventies. Her first works were landscapes painted in her spare time while she pursued a career in nursing.
As Ashton underwent redevelopment, she felt inspired to recreate historic scenes of the town that are fondly remembered.
Various incarnations of Tameside Hippodrome are captured in a series of paintings. Known as the Empire theatre when it opened in 1904, the building was converted into the New Empire and then the ABC cinema, before returning to theatrical use in the 1970s century.
Other paintings include scenes of Daisy Nook, Portland Basin, Mossley Whit Walks and a wedding at Dukinfield Town Hall. Vanessa’s work also captures the bustling market area of modern-day Ashton and the picturesque trio of canals that wind their way through the borough.
Cllr Ged Cooney, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for culture, said: “Vanessa’s exhibition offers an intriguing look at Tameside past and present. It’s a local view of the local landscape. I thoroughly recommend a visit.”
The exhibition, which is being staged at Tameside Central Art Gallery, Old Street, Ashton, runs until January 13. The gallery is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12.30pm and 1 to 4pm. It is open 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.