Ex-teacher delighted to reach art goal
A FORMER schoolteacher who taught in Macclesfield for more than 30 years has fulfilled his ambition to have his artwork exhibited.
Dai Jones, 59, who was head of religious education at Tytherington School for 27 years until his retirement three years ago, is currently displaying 50 of his works at Macclesfield Library.
Mr Jones, from Broken Cross, also taught pottery at Henbury High for seven years at the start of his career. He set himself the target of displaying his work publicly before his 60th birthday on April 21.
His work, both watercolours and acrylics, mostly depict landscapes in and around Cheshire where he and his wife Helen enjoy walking and exploring.
One canvas sparking plenty of interest at the exhibition is a picture of Jodrell Bank and the surrounding fields.
He said: “I taught religious education but started off in ceramics and always retained an interest in painting.
“Once I retired I decided to devote a lot more time to it.
“I paint most days and enjoy bringing to life the wonderful Cheshire country scenes.
“I wanted to put them on display before my 60th birthday and I’m thrilled I’ve been able to do that.
“Sixty is a milestone birthday and I wanted something to aim for before I reached it.
“Around 40 people came to the launch event for the exhibition and I was given some very positive feedback.”
Mr Jones, a proud Welshman from the village of Brynaman in the Brecon Beacons, has also painted some canvasses of mining scenes and rugby players linking to his heritage.
He added: “I’ve sold several of the pictures and half of the proceeds from that will be donated to the charity Christian Relief Uganda which encourages projects to help people become self sufficient.
“Helen and I will be going out to Africa in July to volunteer for the charity.”
Mr Jones is also a Methodist lay preacher for the Macclesfield Circuit and a member of Broken Cross Arts Group.
He retains strong links with Tytherington School, acting as an exam invigilator.
He and Helen are also in Holland this week assisting with a school football trip on which a mixed group of 110 pupils have travelled.
The Macclesfield library exhibition will continue until Friday, April 13.