Nigel Patrick Mottram art to feature at Byrne Avenue Baths

The Coming Home exhibition - on display from Sunday, April 2 to Sunday, April 17 - will feature art from throughout Nigel's long career, including his colourful abstract paintings and his thought-provoking urban work.

Born and raised in Birkenhead, Nigel, 80, used the Baths many times as a child.

A lot of this work was inspired by his upbringing in the town just after WWII when he would explore the remains of local bombsites. He found the textures and colours amidst the devastation fascinating.

Nigel's passion for art started at a young age, when he gained a place at the prestigious Laird School of Art.

Shortly afterwards he emigrated with his family to Australia under the "£10 Ticket" scheme. There he had a variety of jobs including working on a kangaroo station.

He moved back to London where he gained a place at Art School, continuing to develop his talent, whilst also training as an art therapist.

Part of the Nigel Patrick Mottram.exhibit on view at Byrne Avenue Baths next month. Picture: Byrne Avenue Trust (Image: Byrne Avenue Trust)

During a 25-year career in the NHS he supported many young people using art to help them overcome trauma.

When he retired, he took a studio in Ancoats, Manchester where he was finally able to paint full time.

In June 2022 Nigel "came home" to Wirral when he moved into Derwent Lodge Nursing Home in New Ferry.

With their support and with the aid of using art for therapeutic purposes, Nigel once again found the passion and zest for life.

The next step seemed clear to the team at Derwent Lodge, and that was to share Nigel's art once again and the dream of an exhibition was formed.

Julie Wood, Derwent Lodge's activity co-ordinator, said: "When we learnt about Nigel's art career we thought it was important that people got the opportunity to see his paintings once more.

"As he grew up in the area, the idea came to us to work with our friends at Byrne Avenue Baths to put on an exhibition there."

Jane Richards, chief executive at the Baths, said "We are delighted that Nigel has asked us to host this exhibition.

"It showcases a wide range of styles and includes some of the sketches that go into planning a piece.

"It enables us to bring both the art and the process to those who might not otherwise get the chance to see it.

"We are also basing our Easter Children's Holiday Club on art and taking advantage of this amazing opportunity to involve the children with art in a way that they might never experience again."

Described as 'unique' the art exhibition is one of many events being held this year as Byrne Avenue Baths celebrates its 90th Anniversary.

The anniversary itself is being celebrated next Sunday (March 26) when the Trust is holding a 90th Birthday Fete at the Baths from 12-4pm.

There will be a range of stalls and activities for everyone to join in with as well as some special historic memorabilia on show.

Details of the exhibition, Birthday Fete and all the other events can be found on their website: Byrneavenuebaths.org.