* SIMEON STAFFORD (BRITISH b. 1956), THE DAY TRIP

oil on canvas, signed, titled verso framed image size 76cm x 102cm, overall size 80cm x 105cm Note: Simeon Stafford was born in 1956 in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester and now lives in Cornwall. He met LS Lowry at the age of 14 who encouraged him to paint, but it wasn’t until his mid-forties that Simeon was able to follow his passion. His joyful work is a reflection of his personality and his love of characterful people and places. Visits to Dartmouth have inspired this new series of paintings. Armed with sketches, photographs and his own recollection, Simeon returned to his studio in Cornwall to create paintings that capture the soul of our location, often employing artistic licence to idealise a scene. A practiced eye will see the same characters appearing across Simeon’s paintings. Friends and relatives regularly appear, most notably Simeon’s aunt Dot doing a handstand with her dog Trixie. You might even find yourself in one of his canvases! Simeon’s paintings are held in private and public collections worldwide. Tatler Magazine has tipped Simeon as one of the next ‘greats’ in the art world. Hugh Grant, the Queen and several notable film directors own Simeon’s work.