Local artist Ron Stephens has teamed up with Cheshire West and Chester Council to create an exhibition of paintings and prints of heritage buildings in Northwich and beyond.
Ron Stephens became interested in art during secondary school going on to study graphic design at Leeds and Manchester. After a gap of 30 years, a visit to Visual Arts Cheshire (VAC) gallery prompted him to take up painting again and in 2016 his love of interesting buildings inspired him to create a series of ‘line and wash’ paintings.
Photo Ron Stevens: Cheshire West & Chester 
Several of the buildings featured have fascinating stories to tell. The Weaver Hall Museum is displaying these histories, along with historic photos that will be displayed alongside the paintings until Saturday 25 September.
The Salty Dog pub pictured above is now located at 21-23 High Street, one of the buildings featured in the exhibition. Two tenants originally occupied the building in 1921. Up until the 1930s, Marks & Spencer occupied No 21 and Hunters the Teamen Ltd occupied No 23. Only after estate agents, Meller Braggins moved in were the two shops knocked through to form one unit. Over the years, the building has had many tenants and at one point before World War II was the town’s register office. At the front of the building, you will see green carvings in the form of monsters keeping evil spirits at bay, as well as four carved timber figures.
Leader of the Council, Louise Gittins said:
“The is a wonderful celebration of Northwich’s past depicted in art form. Ron has managed to capture the beauty and elegance of many of our historic buildings, from the black and white timber-framed to the art deco charm of The Plaza.
“I’d urge everyone to visit the exhibition to find out more about the buildings that give Northwich its unique character.”
Some of the buildings featured in the exhibition have benefitted from the Townscape Heritage Initiative. Through this scheme, which uses funds granted by The National Lottery Heritage Fund,
The paintings are currently on display at the Weaver Hall Museum, London Road, Northwich until Saturday 25 September 2021. Admission charges apply to the main museum although entry to this temporary exhibition is free of charge. The museum currently has limited opening hours so you are advised to visit the website to check when it is open – advanced booking is required.
