• last year
Thomas McGoran (95) a Glasgow artist, who did not start painting until he retired, is showing off his work at the Forge Market in the east end of the city.

In his own words, Thomas McGoran "wants the world to see his art before he dies".

Dozens of his oil paintings have gone on display at the city shopping centre and is free to members of the public.

Born in Ayr, Thomas and his family moved to Glasgow's Dennistoun when he was 4 years old.

Thomas was talented at drawing as a child, but it was a retirement gift from his wife Jenny that got him painting.

"I was made redundant in 1988 and my wife gave me a retirement present of a box of oil paints and brushes.

"I had never used oils in my life - But through trial and error I persevered and learned how to paint and I love working with them."

His inspiration comes mainly from his memories.

His vivid recall of growing up in Glasgow in the 1930s inspired images packed with details of childhood games, tenements and washing greens.

The exhibition is drawing in the crowds with some visitors reduced to tears as his paintings transport them back to their childhood.

"We spent the 1930s living in a small street in Dennistoun. My paintings show the mischief we got up to and the games we played.

"It was a great time. The 1930s, then the war and after the war we just picked up again. Life was great in those days.

"We had to make own entertainment, do our own thing. Our parents let us run wild. It was marvellous. Best time in my life."

Thomas had stored over 60 paintings in a wardrobe and felt it was time to show them to the world.

Speaking about the feedback from the public Thomas said " The public have been absolutely marvellous, they have been great. Not one person has said they are rubbish" he says with a smile.

Visit the 1930s is at The Forge Shopping Centre until 26 February

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