AN artist has painted a beautiful portrait that will take pride of place in Rock Hall once renovations are complete.

Bill Usher from the Bolton Art Circle has recreated an original painting of Thomas Bonsor Crompton, the former owner of Rock Hall, which will be proudly placed in Rock Hall when renovations are complete, depending on the success of the funding bid.

Jayne Allman from Banana Enterprise contacted Bolton Art Circle looking for someone who would reproduce the original painting that was badly damaged.

The Bolton News: Thomas Bonsor CromptonThomas Bonsor Crompton

Bill came forward and he said it will be an honour to have his painting displayed for all to see.

He said: "I was asked by Bolton Art Circle to do the painting.

"They received a request to reproduce a painting that was badly damaged and Banana Enterprise wanted someone to recreate it so it could be in Rock Hall."

"We took photos of the original and used that to paint this new version.

"It will be an honour to be in Rock Hall. It's going to be a prestigious development, so it's just wonderful."

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Bill donated the painting to the team at Banana Enterprise, which took him 30 hours to produce, and they paid for the framing.

The charity did a small handover on Friday to thank Bill for his work.

Jayne Allman, the charity’s CEO, said the team is thrilled with what Bill has done.

She said: "We are thrilled with what he has done for us.

"The painting is an amazing likeness and stunning vivid colours.  

"We arranged to meet Bill at Rock Hall to do the handover as a fitting tribute to Thomas Bonsor Crompton.

"It took Bill 30 hours to paint it.

"Thomas Bonsor Crompton owned Rock Hall, he was a pioneering paper maker whose patented paper drying process was used all over the world.

"We intend to give the painting pride of place in the Hall once renovated if we are successful with our funding bid.

"Bill said he very much enjoyed doing the painting for us."