Most people who live in Retford and the surrounding area will be familiar with the work of Andy Massey, whether they realise it, or not.
Andy is the artist responsible for many of the large murals in and around the town including the huge Spa Common Sheep Fair mural, which transformed the main thoroughfare from the town towards the Bus Station and Spa Common itself. The mural was commissioned by Retford Civic Society and was co-ordinated by the tireless Pam Barnsdale.
Andy has also produced a mural on the gable end of a cottage on Carr Road in the town, which reflects the rich history of The Chesterfield Canal.
“Since then,” he said, “I’ve enjoyed painting a mural of Retford buildings inside Edi’z Kitchen on Carolgate, and the ‘Blossom’ mural at The Clumber Inn, Ordsall. Painting on walls is not all Banksy, but it is fun; it requires a bold approach, sometimes a head for heights, and not worrying about detail, but trying to get the overall effect.”
Audiences at Retford Little Theatre have also benefitted from Andy’s talents. “They invited me to paint some of the background scenery for their productions – another form of mural, I suppose – and that’s been fun, whether it’s York Racecourse, the Australian Outback, or Cornish beach scenes. I revel in the accolade of ‘Scenic Artist’ in the programme!”
Andy’s beautiful watercolour paintings also adorn the hugely successful Retford Heritage Trail booklet, now in its second print run and available from Retford Arts Hub, Denman Library, and Bassetlaw Museum.
He came to painting relatively late, after a successful career in education. He began to paint in watercolours, and then branched out into oils and began to sketch from life and develop ideas with notes and photographs, painting both local views and further afield on his travels.
These works feature in a new exhibition at Cath Ray Gallery on Bridgegate in Retford. There will also be a chance to meet Andy with a ‘Meet the Artist’ event at the gallery on Saturday 21st October, 2.00 to 4.00pm.
The exhibition runs from Friday 29th September to Saturday 4th November. There will also be the chance to improve your own painting skills with an eight-week course in ‘Colour Mixing’ running throughout the exhibition, taught by resident artist, Cath Ray.
Email raybooks@msn.com for further information and bookings, or call in to the gallery at 58b Bridgegate, Retford DN22 7UZ.