Paul McFenton from the Swansea Valley (see photo), performed an Internet Google search and came across our item about the recent sad loss of society member, Lawson Oakey.
In the 90s, Paul had been a work colleague of Lawson, who had presented him with this picture, entitled The Coal Hewers in 1994, just after it had been exhibited at the Mall Gallery, London. It depicts an underground coal mining scene in pastel medium on board.
He had, in fact, collaborated with Lawson over the portrayal of this image, as a former miner - his earliest pit job was as one half of the team who hammered in the wooden wedges required at the top of the thick wooden props to support the roof.
We are very grateful to Paul for generously allowing us to photograph and display this artwork. He says.... "I want to share this artwork with others, as it has given me great joy over the years and will always have pride of place in my home."
