NOTABLE SONS OF MELLOR

Capt. Ken Owen writes...

                                    Ben Hartley

“In 2007 the Crane Kalman Art Gallery in Knightsbridge London, a gallery world famous for promoting 20th century paintings, held a full exhibition of Ben Hartley's paintings, which was extremely well received.

Displayed in the window on Brompton Road, opposite Harrods, were several large colourful and delightful paintings of what I feel sure were Townscliffe Farm cows and pigs.

Ben was born and grew up at The Lilacs on Longhurst Lane in Mellor and his grandparents farmed at Townscliffe.

He and I were childhood friends at Ludworth school together and spent many happy hours at his grandfather's farm where he often sketched the animals, buildings and farm life in general, later recorded in note books they became the basis for many future paintings..

His love of all things rural led him to write an interesting Survey of local Farm Names

Ben's health was always fragile and he moved to Plymouth for the gentler climate when in his early twenties.

He died twelve years ago, he loved Mellor and his work is full of happiness and humour and I commend the Ben Hartley website.”

The web site for Ben Hartley is www.ben-hartley.co.uk

A Winter Scene

Kimono Cottage

First Prize

Smiler

Jarge

A selection of some of Ben’s paintings