THE SAYING goes ‘life imitates art.’ Now it is other way around as The Correspondent provided the inspiration for a fantastic painting.
For our photo of Stalybridge on Remembrance Sunday in 2021 had been captured on canvas.
People walking along a crowd-lined Trinity Street, close to the town’s War Memorial, was caught on camera.
Now Gordon Clegg, of The People’s Gallery on Melbourne Street, was so taken by the image, he decided to paint it.
And it will be used to raise funds towards an appeal to add 300 ‘forgotten’ soldiers to the landmark.
“Well, it was just another element of Stalybridge,” he said. “The last 20-odd paintings I’ve done have just specifically been Stalybridge. I’m very close to Stalybridge.
“It was a little bit round the corner, but people don’t really know about that particular shot.
“Remembrance Day is a big day, and we’ve got a nice war memorial. It was a cracking photo.
“It told the story. There’s movement in the march and everything.”
Gordon’s painting has been framed y Andy Jamieson of Black Star Framing, which is also based at The People’s Gallery.
It will raise money for Friends of Stalybridge War Memorial but will also play a central part in the Royal British Legion’s work in the town.
Gordon added: “I thought, ‘I’d like to donate something to the Royal British Legion.’
“But I was told about the group looking to get new names added to the war memorial.
So the funds we raise will go to that.
“I’ve also printed about 100 cards featuring the painting for the RBL to sell, one twice as big will be framed for them to use.
“It can go on the table as the raise money during the Poppy Appeal. They’re quite excited about it – as are we.”
*FRIENDS of Stalybridge War Memorial received the painting to sell off. Anyone looking to purchase can contact the group via its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FOSWM191418.