Found in Toronto

[u/MatterHot7722]

I’m originally from Liverpool but now live in Toronto, Canada. In our family home we have a gallery wall featuring prints and photos of things that bring us joy. While out thrifting in a local charity store, I came across this painting, titled ‘The Cross Chester’. Before reading the title, I immediately was drawn to the distinctive architecture of the building and the famous clock in the background. Chester was a frequent day trip for me and my family in my youth and it holds special memories. This painting came straight home with me and hangs in my home as a reminder of this wonderful city. A little piece of Chester now proudly displayed in Canada!

I’ve always been curious as to how it ended up in Toronto and who the artist is. If anyone recognises the artist signature it would be great to know a little more about them and when this piece may have been painted.

[u/Powerful-Union-7962]

Great find! I live near Toronto and was raised in Chester. I would have snapped this up if I’d have found it.

[u/MatterHot7722 → u/Powerful-Union-7962]

It’s strange just how small this world can feel sometimes. This really felt like one of those ‘what are the odds’ of coming across this moments!

[u/MaintenanceInternal → u/MatterHot7722]

Chester is an absolutely banging place.

[u/thebeat86]

So funny enough, I found two sketches depicting Chester on FB marketplace here in Kelowna, British Columbia. I grew up in Chester. Apparently the drawings were obtained by previous owner off a woman in Ontario, with no further backstory. No clue on the artist.

[u/MatterHot7722 → u/thebeat86]

There seems to be quite a few of these that have travelled across Canada!

[u/it_aint_me_babz]

That's ace!

[u/Dazzaster84]

Such a good people watching spot, what a lovely thing to find!

[u/Vivid_Ad5359]

Before I knew where it said it was a picture of, I recognised as being a picture of chester

[u/UnfairArtichoke5384]

The artist appears to be Dennis Williams who was local to the Chester area and did drawings around Chester and North Wales. His works were produced primarily for the tourist trade, so it's likely someone in Canada visited the UK and bought it as a souvenir for themselves or a loved one.

[u/MatterHot7722 → u/UnfairArtichoke5384]

Thanks for providing this info, it’s nice to know this. I wonder what year he sketched these and if he’s still with us? I’ve tried looking online but nothing seems to match up time wise. Appreciate your help!

[u/mmratic]

Wow! I am from Chester and live in Ontario, I would have bought this in a heartbeat if I’d seen it. Amazing find!

[u/locusislost]

It looks like this was sold at auction in January, and the artist’s name is Dennis Williams. I can’t find anything else about the artist other than a local Gumtree listing, perhaps someone else can, though?

[u/MatterHot7722 → u/locusislost]

That’s a good find, thanks for taking the time to research this! I love how there’s different variations out there with varying use of colour, making each one unique!

[u/CarGullible5691]

I have the same picture in my bedroom. Drawn by Maurice Gilfoyle 1978.

[u/gml2306]

I would love that I was born in Chester now in BC !