A Middlesbrough artist, whose work was inspired by his father’s theft of a Lowry masterpiece, has landed a deal which will see his work go on sale in galleries across the country.
Sean Durkin, 51, is a professional artist and the son of the infamous John Durkin, who caused a sensation on Sunday, March 19 in 1972 when he stole a Lowry painting from the old Middlesbrough Art Gallery.
After taking the picture of St Hilda’s Church and Middlesbrough’s old Town Hall, which now hangs in mima in Middlesbrough, he demanded the then Mayor raffled his underpants for charity to secure the painting’s safe keeping.
Sean was only eight at the time but he remembers the affair well. Recalling the painting of what looked like a big house, a church and some matchstick people scurrying around, Sean is now an artist in his own right.
Sean first began showcasing his work last May in The Art House on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough. However, he has just landed himself a deal with Image Design Northern Editions Ltd which will see his work selling in art galleries throughout the UK.
The Harrogate fine art dealers are set to sell the Middlesbrough artist’s work through a network of UK high street galleries.
Sean said: “They approached me about my work and I went to see them last week. They deal in hundreds of galleries.
“They said we love your work and we could relly do something with it.”
Within 24 hours, Image Design Northern Editions Ltd sold 11 of Sean’s paintings.
Sean said: “It is a bit overwhelming because I wasn’t geared up to do it. At the moment I do the paintings in a studio in my back garden but I am going to look for a professional workshop and get some assistance.”
Up until now, Sean has been completing an average of two paintings each week. However, with this latest deal his workload is set to increase.
He said: “It is an opportunity I can’t lose. All these Middlesbrough scenes are going to be seen all over the country. It’s just incredible.”
Sean is thankful to David Spencer and Mark Bennett, of The Art House, for their support and help in getting him to where he is today.
David, 53, said: “We are over the moon for Sean. It is more about being able to promote him than anything else.
“He has got something that everyone likes. There is no other artist doing this style.
“We would love to see Sean go really big. You need a lucky break and hopefully this will be it.”
Managing director of Image Design Northern Editions Ltd, John Pope, said: “My company represents some of the most successful artists working in Britain today and to be able to add Sean to our portfolio is fantastic news.”
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