The reclusive artist who spent more than 50 years bringing his passion to life

The work of a reclusive artist who sketched and painted the wildlife of Bolton for more than 50 years is to be displayed as part of a museum’s summer show. Artist and naturalist Eric Gorton, from Westhoughton, who died in 2002, was a former assistant curator of Bolton Art Gallery and Museum.

He has been described as a ‘very reclusive man’ who painted in the field at many locations around Bolton and Lancashire and from exhibits in the museum. His work will form the centrepiece of Bolton Museum’s latest exhibition, ‘Birds of Bolton’, which combines art and natural history to celebrate one of Britain’s best-loved creatures – birds.

Running from June 29 to November 3, the immersive exhibition will offer things for all the family, from captivating wildlife films, drawing activities and trails to a life size bird hide. The exhibition has been inspired by a recent donation of a large collection of Mr Gorton’s sketchbooks.

Dating from 1947 to 1998, the sketchbooks are the record of a lifelong love of birds and other wildlife. Gorton’s drawings capture the rich diversity of Bolton’s bird population showcasing their shapes, colours, behaviours and habitats.

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Sam Elliot, head of service for Bolton Library and Museum, said: “Eric Gorton spent more than 50 years filling sketchbooks with the most brilliant observations of local wildlife, full of wonder, curiosity and surprise. “We hope that by showcasing his art in our summer exhibition we will inspire people to discover Bolton’s natural environments for themselves.”

The work of contemporary artists Kirsty Yeomans, Mark Lightowler and Lesley Young will also be displayed at the exhibition. Lesley Young’s nature-inspired paintings are recently gaining traction, with her work also being displayed in Manchester Art Gallery.

The exhibition will offer a programme of events, including nature walks and exhibition tours with the museum’s current curator of natural history, a role Eric Gorton previously held. There will also be a series of children’s events and films, art workshops, a poetry evening and several talks by Russ Hedley from Nature Walks and talks which will explore Bolton’s birds through local locations.

The summer exhibition is free for the public, with no booking required. You must be over the age of 16 to attend the poetry night event.