John Dobson

It is with deep sadness that Todmorden Art Group must report the sudden death of its Secretary and acting Treasurer, John Dobson.

John was a founder member of Todmorden Art Group, and has been at the heart of the group ever since.  From its beginnings in Bacup Road, via premises in Hall Street to its current location  at Platform One Galleries on Todmorden Station, John was there, adding his support to whatever tasks needed doing to ensure the smooth running of the group. Whether building display boards, putting up blinds in the Gallery, organising the annual Art Exhibition, John could be counted on to be there, doing his bit and more.

John rarely if ever missed our monthly meetings, and he fulfilled his role as minute-taker with characteristic efficiency. Meticulous in his book-keeping and adept at keeping a clear plan in his head of every task to be done, his role within the group cannot be overestimated. When anyone wanted help or information, John was the man to talk to.

John had only last week been at the centre of organising the group’s Annual Exhibition at Todmorden Town Hall. Indeed, on the weekend of the Exhibition, he could always be found in the Town Hall ballroom, helping to oversee everything from the setting up of display boards to the greeting of visitors and the sale of artwork.

As an artist, John’s medium was wood. He  had been a designer and maker of wooden toys for over 20 years – all child friendly, all numbered. His toys went to family and friends, to nurseries and to charities, both in the UK and abroad. He occasionally undertook commissions, but he always considered himself to be a hobbyist – preferring to work at his own pace rather than to a fixed deadline.

John’s death came as a shock to everyone in the group, and the gap he has left will be very hard to fill.

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Platform One Gallery is now fully booked for the year and re-opened on February 4th. See Diary for details of exhibitions.

Do not forget the Open Art Exhibition in the Gallery from April 1st to 28th when exhibitors can show up to 3 works of art for a nominal fee. Application forms are available and if you would like to be placed on the mailing list for this exhibition please apply to the Gallery on 01706 816070. The Gallery is manned from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when an exhibition is running. Admission is free.

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Advance Notice: The Annual Open Art Exhibition usually held in the Town Hall in November will, for this year, be held in October as the Town Hall is not available to us in November. Further details nearer the time.

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The 11 artists' studios on Platform One are often open and if you wish to view these please enquire at the Gallery.