Local Life - Wigan - December 2020

38
Hometown
Brushstrokes
by Nicola Gray
They say a picture paints a thousand words and if this is to
be believed, then Parbold-born artist David Barrow would
never run out of things to say about how truly inspired he
is by his hometown. Throughout his decades long career,
David has skilfully captured the Wigan way-of-life in some
iconic scenes including the memorable Wigan Casino,
Tiffany’s nightclub, the beautiful Parbold countryside and
Wigan walking days.
David was born in Parbold and spent his formative years
there, before moving to the Springfield area of Wigan
when he was eight years old. David said, “I have very fond
memories of growing up in Parbold, surrounded by the
countryside and nature. I have 3 brothers and to this day
we still reminisce about the happy times we spent there.
After we relocated to Wigan, we still frequently visited
Parbold to call in on my Grandad, so truth be known, we
never really left!”
David continued, “The first school I attended was Parbold
C of E School on Lancaster Lane (now Parbold Douglas
Academy), I eventually attended The Blue Coat School
after the move to Wigan, before moving on to Gidlow
Middle and then Whitley High School. Parbold though,
brings back lots of nostalgic childhood memories. The
landscape and quaintness of the village is beautiful, I
have always loved to capture its beauty and the stillness
of the countryside.”
David began painting seriously when he was 19 years
old, but his artistic achievements started much earlier
on in life, as he tells me, “I have always enjoyed drawing
from a young age, my first artistic triumph came when
I was just 5 years old. I won the 1st prize for a TSB Bank
art competition; the prize was a £1 postal order and that
inspired me greatly. I have had an interest in drawing and
painting for as long as I can remember.”
David’s deep affection for the village is very
apparent and can be seen in the striking
and colourful series he has produced
featuring Parbold landmarks. Looking at
the vibrant paintings it is easy to pick out
such scenes as the canal running through
the centre of the village, Parbold Hill, and
the Stocks Pub. David added, “I am always
drawn to Parbold Hill, I like to walk from the
village centre up to the school as I did each
day with my brothers.”
He tells me that he never really had a
dream job growing up he just knew that
it wasn’t his first job at a hairdressers, “Yes,
my first job was working in a hairdressers
and it just wasn’t for me, I feel I achieved
my dream job when I became a full-time
artist. I’m doing what I love, and it has taken
me in many different directions, including
passing on my love of art by occasionally
teaching a few lessons.”