RETIRED Journal sports editor Jim Allen opens a new exhibition of his art at Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre next week.
Jim returned to his hobby of painting after he retired and has held several successful exhibitions, since.
Done in an impressionist style, the paintings depict a wide range of subjects, from local scenes to those inspired by Europe and Africa.
Among them is Jim’s painting of Princess Diana planting a tree in St Peter’s Hill in October 1987.
It’s particularly noteworthy because the tree is now growing in Jim’s garden - he rescued it and nursed it back to health after it was badly damaged by vandals.
Other paintings include portraits of Grantham musician Trevor Leeson, panto star Douglas Gorin and Cliff Richard along with Grantham-born Shadows bass player Brian ‘Licorice’ Locking.
There are also various scenes inspried by Jim’s travels.
The exhibition, in the Guildhall Arts Centre coffee lounge, is open for two weeks from Monday, December 16.
Paintings are for sale, with prices ranging from £30 to £120.