Wirral artist Tommy McHugh given free exhibition space - for as long as he wants

Feb 10 2010 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

ARTIST Tommy McHugh says he is in “dreamland” after being handed bright and open exhibition space, for as long as he wants, at no charge.

The Rock Ferry man appealed through the Wirral News for a suitable gallery, after covering his flat with images.

His urge to paint appeared suddenly following two strokes, and the 60-year-old is one of only two people in the world to be diagnosed with sudden artistic creativity.

In November, Tommy was interviewed for a BBC Horizon programme investigating the condition and he decided he wanted to remove the work he had created on the walls, ceilings and carpets of his home and place them in a gallery context.

Seven different groups responded to Tommy’s call, and the promise of a double-fronted shop on Market Street from Wirral Methodist Housing Association (WMHA) proved the biggest draw.

Tommy told the News: “ It’s a beautiful place and it isn’t for a short period, it’s to continue for as long as I can keep it going.

“When WMHA first brought me here, I thought my dream had come true because nobody could be given so much.

“Any artist would think they were in dreamland.”

The premises, at 72 to 74 Market Street, have been handed to Tommy rent and rate free, on the condition he looks after it and picks up the electricity bill.

Alun Hughes, chief executive of WMHA, said: “We have a variety of shops on Market Street which we try to let to people to keep the street scene busy and vibrant.

“When we saw the article we thought rather than let the premises stand empty it would be nice to have some life.

“As a charitable organisation, we have an interest in people getting on with their lives, so it seemed like a good idea to go to him and say, we’re not using this, if you’d like to use it, it’s yours free of charge.”

Tommy’s now filling the space with his work and putting plans in place for an opening night.

He’s also appealing for any spare desks, chairs or other furniture to further improve his new gallery.

He said: “It’s going to be great for people in the future, to have somewhere they can come and something that can continue.”

If you think you can help, call Tommy on 643 8256