Artwork by 'tortured genius' may go on show
Published on: 10-Sep-2007
Impressive artwork by an unknown artist, who committed suicide, may go on display - if more can be found out about his life and background.More than 300 paintings by the artist were discovered in a house clearance and all that is known about the artist is his first initial and a surname, the Bradford Telegraph and Argus reports.
Terry Wilcock, who made the discovery, told the publication: "All I know is that he was called R Fletcher and was supposed to have killed himself a few years ago on a train track. He lived in the Undercliffe area at some time, then I think he went to the Bradford Moor area."
He added: "There was just something about the paintings when I first saw them. There was one of the Crucifixion scenes in particular; the rest were all in boxes stored away.
"In style, they are similar to Hockney. They could have gone to the same art school, perhaps - who knows? I've also got a sketch book with drawings and scribbles he's made."
Meanwhile, Czech artist Hynek Martinec claimed three prizes at the BP Portrait Art awards.
The 27-year-old won the BP Portrait Award Visitor's Choice, the Portrait Award and the inaugural Young Artist Award.
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