Wigan Album

Does anyone have any biographical information on Harry Walder. Love these paintings. They really capture the essence of the town.

Warren: See Harry Walder's painting of Mab's cross. You'll find that Keith has given us a very good piece on the artist, which will also provide you with some assistance.

Thanks very much Philip.

Any idea if it would be possible to purchase any of these now?

Warren email me I have a print size approx. 10" x 8" you can have.

I remember Robinson's saddlers very well. A genuine outfit if ever there was one. You could buy all kinds of useful stuff at that place. Brass rivets being one of my favourite items. You can repair pretty much anything with a brass rivet and a strip of leather. Unfortunately, everything went pear shaped at some indeterminate point. I cannot pinpoint the exact date that society lost its grip with reality, but I suspect that it may have been around about the same time that Robinson's made the decision to relocate to larger premises at Ashton in Makerfield. I'm not sure of the year exactly. I'll guess at 1978, then wait for someone to correct me. I went into the Ashton outlet ( on Warrington road ), sometime in the early 80's I believe it was, to purchase a quantity of brass rivets, only to be told by the serving wench. " we don't sell brass rivets, but we do offer a repair service ". Repair service my backside ( or words to that effect ) quoth I, prior to storming off in a huff to procure the required equipment from Walter Hurst's clog shop at Hindley. Walter being another honest, down to earth chap who will most probably never be replaced on this planet considering the way things are going. i.e. Spiralling downwards into obscurity.

Ron, I've never heard of Harry Walder. These paintings are fantastic. Why is he not famous.

Very good made up artist impression. Two chimneys in background: Power station was built in the 1950's. Only taken from memory