WHEN illness stopped him working in the 70s Ron Thorpe turned to art for consolation and that proved a blessing in disguise for a talented man who is now a professional painter.

Ron of Scholes Walk, Prestwich, has a following and several exhibitions under his belt.

His latest exhibition Thorpe All At Sea is due to open at the Longfield Library, Prestwich, this Saturday.

It features a series of seascapes and ship studies in acrylics and emulsion, a new medium for a Thorpe exhibition.

Married with three children and three grandchildren Ron is self taught; though it was recognised in his school days that he had talent.

An established artist for 20 years now he still gets a kick out of seeing his work on display.

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