A Glasgow painter is showcasing his work for the last time. He didn't begin painting until after he retired.
Thomas McGoran, in his own words, "wants the world to see his art before he dies.".
Numerous of his oil paintings are now on view for the public to enjoy viewing as much as he did while creating them in a city shopping center.
Even at 95 years old, he is still mobile enough to visit his temporary gallery every day, but he is aware that this might be his last chance to exhibit his work.
He said, "I have one last chance to show my paintings to the world. Every picture here tells a story, and when I leave, they will all still be there.
"I'm leaving my impression on the world. ".
Although Thomas had always been good at drawing, it wasn't until his wife Jenny gave him a painting as a retirement present that he began to paint.
He admitted to working on the railroads to BBC Scotland. There wasn't much free time because she worked shifts and had three kids.
"I lost my job in 1988, and as a retirement gift my wife gave me a box of oil paints and brushes.
"I had never used oils in my life, but through perseverance and trial and error, I learned how to paint and now I adore using them. ".
His memories serve as inspiration.
His vivid memories of his youth in Glasgow during the 1930s inspired pictures that were jam-packed with information about tenements, children's games, and washing greens.
I was four years old when my family moved to Glasgow, he said, "and I was born in Ayr.".
"We spent the 1930s residing in a constrained Dennistoun street. My artwork depicts the mischief we committed and the games we engaged in.
It was fantastic. The 1930s, the war, and then we just picked up again after the war. Back then, life was wonderful.
"We had to provide our own amusement and act independently. Our parents let us act irrationally. It was fantastic. best period of my life. ".
"I have always had an eye for detail," he said of incorporating this into his paintings. I look at things and notice things that other people miss. " .
Thomas persuaded the Forge Shopping Center to give him an empty shop so he could display his creations for all to see.
He brought nearly 60 paintings that were kept in a wardrobe to be displayed.
The center assisted him in setting up a gallery that is accessible until February 26.
It was a novel concept for the center and was very well received. "The response is lovely," marketing manager Jade Wilkie said. When you observe people moving about, you can tell they are talking about their own childhoods.
"Thomas is 95 years old, but he has been here every day and has spoken to everyone. We were delighted to assist because his story moved us. ".
Although none of the paintings are for sale, people have been making donations at the gallery, and all of them will be given to the With Kids local charity and the earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.
"The public has been wonderful," Mr. McGoran said. Talking to people while they are recalling their youthful experiences has been so thrilling. ".
Visit the 1930s is on display at The Forge Shopping Center through February 26.
