AN ARTIST whose work is to be featured on a new book is urging residents to support a gallery.
William Rathbone, 77 of Kinmel Bay, whose image The Battle Of Mynydd Cwm Ddu was recently selected for the cover of Owain Glyndwr, the ast Prince of Wales” is encouraging residents to visit Gallery 36 in Rhyl.
He said: “I painted this when I was living in Turkey. I’ve read a lot about him, but I don’t know why I picked him. He was a nasty man. He had a forked beard and a wart on one eye, but he turned Wales around.”
Mr Rathbone, who is currently battling cancer, has painted for many years after discovering his skill by accident. Some of his canvasses have sold for up to £3,000.
He said: “I was working as long distance lorry driver when one of the kids was given oil paints for Christmas. He was only three and I thought they weren’t being used and that wouldn’t do, so that’s how I got started.
“I suppose painting is keeping me alive.”
Mr Rathbone, who was born in Rhuallt, supplemented his income as an artist by making four poster beds and working on listed buildings.
He said: “The Death of Gelert is quite popular. It is on display at Gallery 36. I only paint North Wales.”
Mr Rathbone is currently displaying a series of oil paintings in the gallery as part of the Helfa Gelf art trail and to mark the recent Owain Glyndwr day.
April Rathbone, William’s wife, is a keen supporter of his work and the gallery.
She said: “I’m his biggest critic! I clean all the mess up after him.”
“If people want a closer look at Bill’s work, they can go to the gallery. We’re trying to do anything we can to help them. It’s very difficult at the moment. They have a lovely shop and they are doing their best to keep going.”
Gallery 36 can be found on Kinmel Street in Rhyl.