They're calling his Britain's Grandpa Moses: New find of the art world is 79. His work is exhibition tomorrow(Monday). His real name is Charles Brown (Charlie to friends). He is a wonderful old man of 73 with a tuft of white hair, a face as wrinkled as the ages, a trio of orphaned grandchildren whom he looks after, and a 1st World War injury which has gradually paralysed his right arm and leg. And now everyone is saying that he has a great future ahead of him as an artist. Eight years ago Charlie began to paint pictures on bits of old shirts stretched on wooden frames made from packing cases. He sent one of the Royal family to the Palace, one of Nys Beven to a Labour club. And he went on painting. Now John Mills, the sculptor, has accepted all Charlie's work for hanging at the Walker Maynard Galleries from 26th July to 14th August. Charlie himself is amazed at the response his work has brought in. The Arts Council he says, think they are unique. His even, flat textures give the pictures a three dimensional effect. Charles Brown used to work at the De Havilland aircraft factory until he retired at the age of 71. Since then he and his grandchildren have been living on his old age pension plus the money he earned by chopping - in spite of his paralysis - wood for his neighbours fires. Local firms gave hims packing cases to break up. Now it looks as though Charlie's hard work is over physical hard work that is because he's going to go on painting for years. He lives in Welwyn Garden City.
Photo measures 10.25 x 8 inches.
Photo is dated --none.
Photo back:
