MAJOR, THEODORE

Theodore Major was essentially self-taught as an artist. Born in humble circumstances in Wigan, Lancashire, settling there from 1950 with his painter wife, Kathleen at Appley Bridge. He attended the local art school between 1927-1932, and taught there between 1930-1950.

Theodore bought the house next door to where he lived for his studio in Appley Bridge and turned a small front bedroom, with a good light into his studio. This house was also turned into a gallery and the general public were welcome to view his paintings free of charge.

Theodore Major was against materialism, the commercial gallery system and the sale of his pictures to rich collectors. When he did sell, they were mostly small oils on board measuring 10”x12”.

He retained around 3000 of his paintings, which he said were painted for ordinary people, not money. He hated the commercial art world and disliked dealers selling his work.

Art critic and novelist John Berger called Theodore Major's pieces "among the best English paintings of our time". He painted in a wide range of styles "to disturb and extend consciousness in the mind of the viewer".

Theodore Major became noted for depictions of Wigan factories scenes, monsters, lonely seascapes, flowing nudes and monsters of war.

Theodore shared exhibitions with his close contemporary and fellow artist LS Lowry. Theodore was a member of the Manchester Group, along with Lowry, exhibiting at the Mid-Day Studios founded and run by Margo Ingham.

He was president of the Wigan Art Club which he founded in 1952. He exhibited in Nottingham, Bolton, Manchester and had Arts Council sponsored solo exhibitions at Carlisle and Blackburn Art Galleries and in 1984 at Salford Art Gallery which holds his work. Theodore also drew cartoons for the Daily Mail.

His paintings are now being discovered and admired by art collectors, particularly his vibrant flower pieces and his powerful industrial scenes.

Major retrospectives of his work were held at Salford Museum and Art Gallery in 2003 and Gallery Oldham in 2008.

A new Theodore Major book is currently being produced by Collect Art and written by Michael Howard which will be soon available.