Pioneering artist John McCombs dies
Pioneering artist John McCombs, known for capturing the essence of Saddleworth and its people, has passed away at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. McCombs, originally from Manchester, moved to Saddleworth after being inspired by the area during a walk. He established himself as a professional artist and opened the John McCombs Gallery in Delph, gaining national recognition and prestigious awards.
John McCombs, the celebrated artist who dedicated his life to capturing the essence of Saddleworth’s landscapes and communities, died Tuesday evening at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
The Manchester-born painter first discovered the area during a college walking trip while studying at St Martin’s College in London. Struck by the morning sunlight illuminating Delph’s ancient stone buildings against snow-covered hills, the young art student turned to his companion and declared, “When I’ve finished at college this is where I’m going to come to live and paint.” He rejected a teaching position at St Martin’s to fulfill that promise, establishing himself as a professional artist and later opening the respected John McCombs Gallery in Delph.
McCombs earned election to three Royal Art Societies in London and the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts in 1975. His works entered private collections worldwide and public collections across the northwest, including Manchester Art Gallery. He illustrated numerous art books and magazines, saw his paintings featured on television, and quickly ascended to the Academy’s Council and Exhibition Selection and Hanging Committees. His hands-on exhibiting approach built a national reputation that earned several prestigious art prizes, culminating in his 2009 election as President of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts.
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