Self-taught painter named Lancashire Artist of the Year

An artist who set out to paint every canal bridge between Parbold and Gathurst has been crowned Lancashire Artist of the Year 2025.

- by Post Reporter

Self-taught painter Gary North captured the public's heart with his vibrant, impressionistic depictions of northern landscapes and canal bridges.

Gary's journey to the award has been anything but conventional.

Never having taken lessons in his life, he credits his grandmother for encouraging his early scribbles and turned to painting after a serious injury ended his sporting pursuits.

His biggest inspiration is the often misunderstood painter Theodore Major, whom he describes as a "local legend of Appley Bridge."