Below are a few examples of the paintings and drawings of the Derbyshire artist, Frank Clay. The title of each piece is followed by the medium used. The originals are in private collections apart from the one of Winster which was donated to Winster Ward, Whitworth Hospital. Matlock Dale, High Tor and Tor Cottage, watercolour Matlock Parish Church, watercolour Matlock Bath, Hodgkinson's Hotel & The Pitchings, watercolour Riber Castle, watercolour Matlock Dale and St. John's Church, watercolour Bakewell Bridge, watercolour Chatsworth House, watercolour Haddon Hall, watercolour - pointillist style Bonsall, The Cross, oil Scarthin and Cromford Pond (detail), oil Market Hall, Winster (detail), oil Print of Winster Market Hall, pen and ink The Peacock, Rowsley, oil

Biographical Notes: Born Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK. Frank (1911 - 2000) lived in the Matlocks for most of his life. See Matlock & Matlock Bath web site. Drawing and Painting: Inspired as a young boy by the headmaster of Matlock Bath School, William Henry Lees, Frank drew and painted his entire life. His talent helped the local community in the 1950s when he was asked to paint set pieces for Matlock Bath's Illuminations and Venetian Fete. See Illuminations and Venetian Fete The mid 1960s was a turning point and he began to paint very seriously from then onwards, exhibiting locally. His subjects varied, but included many landscapes of his beloved Derbyshire and the selection above reflects that. Occupations and War Record: Frank served in the British Army (1928-1932) and during WW2 (1939-1946). Evacuated from Dunkirk, he later served in both North and East Africa. He was present at the siege of Tobruk and was later seriously wounded. He set up a painting and decorating business in Matlock Bath before the war, which also included sign writing, with a workshop on Holme Road (see Matlock Bath Business Letterheads). He opened his first shop on Firs Parade, Matlock in 1960. He also specialised in picture framing and restoration. Interests: 1. Singing was a real passion. He sang everywhere, including ... - Holy Trinity Church Choir, Matlock Bath for many years as a boy and young man. - Member of both Chesterfield and Matlock Amateur Operatic Societies in the 1950s and 1960s. He sang leading tenor roles in many productions. - Performed as a tenor soloist in many events at numerous locations in Derbyshire. 2. Local History. His knowledge and recall of local history, absorbed during his childhood, was extraordinary. 3. Walking. 4. As a teenager and young man he was a Scout and a Rover. See: Matlock Bath: Baden Powell Scouts, 1933 - Bugle and Drums (1) Matlock Bath: Baden Powell Scouts, 1933 - Bugle and Drums (2) Matlock Bath: Baden Powell Scouts - Annual Entertainment, 1934 Other: Frank is survived by 3 children and 3 grandchildren. He married twice, first to Dorothy Smithies and secondly to Frances Bacon. His second wife pre-deceased him. He is buried at Darley Dale. Elsewhere on the website: He produced a number of black and white prints from some of his drawings of Derbyshire scenes over the years. There are currently two examples on the site. Go to: Matlock Bath, South Parade & the Pitchings Rowsley, The Peacock Hotel (4th image down)

We do not have photographs of all of Frank's pictures and would be delighted to hear from you if you own one and would be prepared to send a photograph to add to our private lists. Please email Ann Andrews.

Images may be changed. Further images may be added at a later date.

Please note:
Claims that have appeared on the Internet that Frank was employed by, or worked as, a butcher are totally fictitious.