John Thompson

John Thompson was a self-taught British artist, born in Oldham, England, in 1924. He is renowned for his distinctive style of painting, often depicting groups of figures in everyday scenes, particularly within working-class Northern English settings.    

Thompson's work is characterised by: 

Distinctive Style: His paintings feature groups of figures, often anonymous and cloaked in coats and caps. These figures are depicted in a somewhat stylised manner, with elongated limbs and simplified features.  

Nostalgia and Social Commentary: His work often evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, capturing the essence of working-class life in post-war Britain. It also serves as a subtle social commentary, highlighting the everyday struggles and joys of ordinary people. Influence of L.S. Lowry: While Thompson developed his own unique style, his work is often compared to that of L.S. Lowry, another renowned Northern artist. Both artists shared a fascination with the lives of working-class people and a talent for capturing the atmosphere of industrial landscapes.    

Thompson's work gained recognition in the latter part of his life, and his paintings are now highly sought-after by collectors both home and abroad including the purchase of some of them by the House of Lords and are now hanging in the Committee Rooms. 

A book covering John's life and work, entitled John Thompson - "Do you like 'em then" was published in 2006. His legacy of work is seen firmly within the Northern School, including Alan Lowndes, Theodore Major and even L S Lowry.

Discover contemporary artworks by John Thompson, browse recent artworks and buy online. Categories: contemporary british artists. Artistic domains: Painting. Artist represented by Stephenson's Gallery. Account type: Artist , member since 2025 (Country of origin United Kingdom). Buy John Thompson's latest works on ArtMajeur: Discover great art by contemporary artist John Thompson. Browse artworks, buy original art or high end prints.

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