By Pam McClounie City centre reporter

Last updated at 13:16, Tuesday, 14 August 2012

A joiner with a passion for art is having his first exhibition – in a pub.

Colin Beck with some of his work

Colin Beck, 59, is exhibiting 19 paintings in the Thin White Duke in Devonshire Street.

Mr Beck, of Greta Avenue, between Dalston Road and Wigton Road, said: “I was into art years ago but my father told me to get a trade so I became a joiner and I dropped it for about 30 to 40 years. Then, about seven years ago, I decided to start again.”

Mr Beck paints in a bedroom at his home and says it takes about two hours for him to complete a canvas.

He said: “I’m very quick but I don’t find it relaxing – it wears me out.”

“The paintings on show in the Thin White Duke are the phase one of three phases. The ones that follow are much darker.”

The exhibition came about after chatting to a staff member in the Thin White Duke about his paintings, who looked into the possibility of some of his work being put on display.

He added: “I am a regular customer and usually go there on Saturdays.

“The manager, Ilka Rhoades, agreed to display some of my work.”

Mr Rhoades said: “This is the first time we’ve had an exhibition like this and it has been commented on by customers. We wanted to help recognise the talents of local people like Colin so we thought we would give it a whirl and see what kind of interest it generates.”

The paintings, which cost between £150 and £1,000, are on display until the end of the month.

First published at 11:28, Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk