Terry Whitworth has been sketching for decades as a semi-retired illustrator who spent most of his life focusing on architectural subjects throughout his career.
If you’re unfamiliar with his name, you are more likely familiar with his watercolour paintings of familiar sights in Bridport, which he shares with community pages online, accompanied by a brief history of the particular landmark that became his muse that day.
Like every great artist, Terry takes ordinary sights, from shops to churches to pubs, and transforms them into a beautiful art displays that locals can still recognise as home.
Many buildings in Bridport have a rich history dating back to the Georgian period and earlier. There are over 500 listed buildings in town recognised for cultural and historical significance, according to Historic England.
The artist, who started creating his community sketchbook in March last year, began sketching to truly get to know the area that he has called home for 40 years.
He said: “It was just to focus on some of the buildings and their history, and I am finding out so many interesting things as I go along. Even some of the shops in town, there are quite a few that you just pass without noticing but they are rather beautiful.”
In response to the positive reaction Terry has received through sharing his beautiful images, he is hoping to create a book of his work and to host workshops to encourage others to see the beauty in everyday life.
He is also hoping to produce prints and a calendar showcasing his favourite places he has sketched.
“I didn’t go into it as a commercial thing. I have spent my life being commercial minded as an illustrator. But a lot of people have asked.
“Lots and lots of people would love to paint but are a bit nervous about starting but it is really good and an enjoyable thing to do regardless of what happens. There is nothing to be lost apart from spoiling a bit of paper,” he said.
He also said he will be branching out to neighbouring towns in the near future, including Lyme Regis, to uncover the history beyond Bridport.
Terry posts his work every Saturday via Facebook on dedicated Bridport groups.
