Gallery: Cannock history brought back to life in library exhibition

From the war memorial in 1926 to the old Brumby bike shop, local artist Andy Crabb has his latest exhibition on show at Cannock Library.

The exhibition centres around Andy's love for classic bikes, but also features paintings of Cannock in days past including one of the town centre in the 1950s.

An image of Linford's, now the Wetherspoon Linford Arms pub, is included as well as children walking on walls and playing on the witch's hat, a playground favourite.

Andy, aged 58, has lived in Cannock since 1962 after being born in Birmingham.

He has a long history with the town having done his apprenticeship with construction giant Caterpillar.

He has been painting on and off for 20 years but turned to painting and his love for classic bikes full-time after he was made redundant at work and took an early retirement.

Asked about the paintings, he said: "I have got a great interest in motorbikes, particularly classic ones. I started painting pictures of them and before I knew it people were asking me to do painting of their bikes.

"My wife said I should do more scenic work and Cannock has some great things to paint.

"I tend to get old black and white photographs and paint from them.

"If the place is still there then I'll go down myself and check out any finer details."

Andy also paid tribute to his wife Anita, who he said has supported him with his paintings.

He said: "She's brilliant and encourages me all the time. When I'm doing my paintings I'm in the conservatory so I'm out of her way.

"Whenever I have a new painting she shares it on her Facebook page as well, she's very supportive."

As well as his current exhibition at Cannock Library, which Andy says was very short notice, he also has a second exhibition going up in the library later this year in October.

He has also previously exhibited in Lichfield.

All of Andy's work can be viewed on his Facebook page Andy Crabb Art.

Anyone interested in buying his paintings can email him at a.crabb767@gmail.com or call him on 07950 877625.