Life's work of artist with Alzheimer's goes on show

Chris Millward Artist John Renshaw with grey beard and hair sitting on a chair wearing all black clothes folding his arms in front of his artwork exhibited on walls behind him.Chris Millward
A diverse array of John Renshaw's paintings will be showcased in the exhibition

The life's work of a renowned artist with Alzheimer's is to go on display.

John Renshaw's paintings will be on display at the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery later.

Renshaw, 78, from Macclesfield, trained in Stockport and then went on to teach at its college.

His daughter Anna Lomas said her father "remembers very little but his passion for art, painting, drawing, and literature is one thing he has not forgotten".

Amongst Renshaw's many achievements was being selected for the Royal Academy of Painters' Summer Exhibition in 2017.

Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, cabinet member for community, culture and sport at Stockport Council, said: "We are delighted to host this special exhibition of John Renshaw's work.

"Through his connection with Stockport College, John is remembered fondly by colleagues and former students alike and this is a unique opportunity to see a diverse collection of his work all in one place."

Chris Millward Artist John Renshaw wearing a black cap and coat bends down to pick up a piece of his artwork up out of a box with his other paintings on show on the wall.Chris Millward
Artist John Renshaw inspired generations of artists with his work and by nurturing their talent

Ms Lomas said: "Dad's love of painting, teaching, and talking about art is all consuming.

"He is immensely proud of his career in this field, and making a difference to those he worked with and for along the way is something he cherishes deeply.

"Now dad has Alzheimer's he remembers very little but his passion for art, painting, drawing, and literature is one thing he has not forgotten."

She added: "We have chosen to show his work now so he can share his love with the public and be present to see how much it is appreciated."

The exhibition will be by the Renshaw family and the University of Chester, where he was a long serving senior lecturer, head of department and Emeritus Professor of Fine Art.

It will be hosted by Stockport Council, and will run until 18 May.

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