How a swindler uncovered an artist’s treasure trove
In 1945, TM McGrath was born in Wythenshawe, one of eleven children. As a child, his artistic skills became apparent quite early on, and an interest in sketching and painting remained throughout his youth. After teacher training college, a career spanning 30 years teaching art in secondary schools across Manchester followed.
Drawing on holiday in the 1990s
While working and enjoying family life, McGrath continued to paint in his leisure time. Despite a vast collection of works at home, and some small scale exhibitions throughout the 1980s, his work was largely left undiscovered until a run-in with a con artist.
Swindled
After being tricked out of some money by a doorstep swindler, TM McGrath quickly drew the man’s portrait from memory and then shared it on social media. The images went viral and the local and national news paid a visit to McGrath’s house where a photo was taken of him stood in front of one of his works.
(For anyone interested in the fate of the conman, the drawings proved instrumental in his arrest.)
The artist’s rendering of the conman
Soon after, enquiries came flooding in regarding the piece. At this point, McGrath realised that there might be some interest in his cellar-full of paintings.
Uncovering the art
With some free time in his retirement, McGrath catalogued every item of work and moved to a studio in the middle of Manchester, where he continues to grow his collection and enjoy working alongside other artists.
His work has found a place on this online gallery – which we’re proud to show to the public for the first time.
The Artme online gallery
Currently we’re housing two collections – the Archive collection and the Current collection. The former selection shows off a variety of styles from the artist. The Current collection focuses mainly on cityscapes and celebrates the north.
We hope you enjoy them. Please contact us here, or ring 07747 540 149 if you have any questions about any of the works.