Roger Hampson (1925-96) was a Lancashire artist who painted gritty industrial scenes that are now lost to history. He was a contemporary of L.S Lowry and was born in Tyldesley, Lancashire. Additionally, he served in the Royal Navy in WWII and later became a teacher.
Falcon Mill Bolton, shown below, is ironically now used as artist studios. The mill was built in 1907.
Roger also recorded the end of industrialization, with the demolishing of Flax Mill chimney, Bolton, in 1972. The painting looks very similar to news photos of the demolition.
Coal mining in lancashire
At the time of nationalization in 1947, 108 collieries were operating in Lancashire. Consequently, the pithead was a popular subject for Roger.
Brackley Colliery was located in the South Lancashire coal field. Close to Aston-in-Makerfield. This was an important coal mining area. Brackley closed in 1964.
Tyldesley Methodist Chapel
Finally, Roger’s hometown is represented by Tyldesley Methodist chapel. This was built in 1889 on Lower Elliot Street. The building has since been demolished.
