First art exhibition for ex-mayoresswho says town is her inspiration

A FORMER mayoress who paints landscapes in her spare time is enjoying the public limelight once again with her first art exhibition.

Dinah Bowden describes her work as a “celebration of Mirfield” – the town where she has lived with her husband, former Mirfield mayor Hugh Bowden, for many years.

Her exhibition, entitled Artworks, is being shown at the West Yorkshire Print Workshop, in Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, from January 12 to 28.

Mrs Bowden has been involved with West Yorkshire Print Workshop in the past, joining its board and attending art classes there.

Originally born in Manchester, where she studied textile design at the Manchester School of Art, she later worked in a design studio specialising in West African prints.

She said: “My love of the fine arts led me to further studies including life drawing, painting, perspective and sculpture. These studies sustained my continuing devotion to the creative arts.”

Although she moved to Mirfield 40 years ago she only began to paint when her children left home.

“Living in Mirfield has fostered an enduring appreciation of the surrounding countryside and waterways and has been crucial in providing inspiration for most of these works on show.”