A TREASURE hunt for lost paintings by a prominent Trafford artist has unearthed several original gems depicting scenes of Altrincham.

Gordon Allen, the son of Timperley watercolourist George Allen, is on a mission to document and collect his late father’s oeuvre.

The worldwide search, announced by Messenger in August, has already revealed paintings in the possession of notable art collectors, and a tip off that several works are housed in a New York gallery.

“We began to realise my father had been a bit of a dark horse and his popularity as an artist was far greater than I had appreciated,” said Gordon, 59.

“We not only made contact with a lot of people in the North West but we have also have discovered painting as far afield as America.

“Perhaps the most surprising discovery was a well known art dealer had over twenty original paintings of my fathers.”

That dealer, Keith Lee of Bolton, runs ‘Miss Carter wore Pink’, which specialises in works by LS Lowry friend and contemporary, Helen Bradley.

Realising his father had been far more popular than first thought; Gordon has decided to start the George Allen Appreciation Society.

An exhibition at Hale library between Saturday, February 23 and March 3 will exhibit 24 original watercolours and a variety of prints.

Proceeds from print sales will go towards the Counselling Family Centre, as well as helping buy back George Allen artworks discovered during the ongoing hunt.

“Our aims are to raise his profile as an artist and make his artwork available to more people by publishing a series of prints,” added George, a taxi driver from Altrincham.

George Allen was born in Warrington in 1910, but lived in Hale for most of his life and then in Bloomsbury Grove, Timperley, during his later years until his death, aged 82 in 1992.

George took inspiration for water colours and ink drawings from many Trafford landmarks, including Old Market Place and Bowdon Church.

Gordon is particularly keen to trace works his father did of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, as well as an original painting of Altrincham that went on to feature on numerous postcards of the town.

Contact Gordon via email at serenewatercolours@outlook.com or call 07742509043.