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19
Jan
Knaresborough train conductor finds new platform for his art
A Knaresborough train conductor who took up painting during the covid lockdowns will open his own art studio and gallery at the weekend.
Aptly, Paul Mirfin will launch his new venture, Paul Mirfin Art, in two units on platform 2 of Knaresborough station.
A familiar face to commuters, Mr Mirfin has worked on the Harrogate line for 20 years and also plays in a band, the Paul Mirfin Band, in his spare time.
But in 2020, when rail services were slashed and entertainment venues were shut, he found himself at a loose end, so looked around for something to fill his time.
He told the Stray Ferret:
I needed some kind of creative outlet. I was watching a lot of Bob Ross [the late American painter] at the time – weren't we all? – and it inspired me to have a go. So I bought some cheap paints and started painting.
Mr Mirfin, who still works as a train conductor eight days a month, has spent the last six years painting pictures of various kinds, including landscapes, animals, comic book characters and pop culture icons. He’s also been hired by his employer, Northern, to produce paintings of rail infrastructure and in 2023 was even commissioned to paint a picture for the King.
Securing the studio and gallery has been the culmination of an unexpected series of events since the pandemic.
Mr Mirfin said:
It’s been quite full on, really, and to actually have a studio is very exciting.
There’s been quite a buzz, and quite a lot of regular commuters who know me have come in to wish me luck. They’ve been really supportive. It’s very exciting.
Paul Mirfin Art will be open from Tuesday to Sunday each week, and will close on Mondays and Wednesday mornings.
The official launch event will take place this Saturday (January 24) from 12 noon to 4pm.
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