Coventry Art and Artists

Thanks Ann. Following your comment I did a search on some of the other art auction sites for paintings by the artist. One of them attributes the image or something very similar to Aylsham (wherever that is). I think we can cross this off as a Coventry image. Good we know, bad it's not a new find.

Emptying my late Aunt's home, I came across these three delightful framed pictures by a JJ Rattican / Rattigan. They are of Coventry Cathedral, Fords Hospital and Old Cathedral ruins. I can find no reference to the artist or indeed the drawings / sketches. Can anybody offer any knowledge please? Thank you in advance.

Does this refer to the same person?

Welcome to the forum Kgldsun. I bought a box of Coventry stuff several years ago and I have just checked and one of the albums contains 18 black and white pictures by the same artist. These have the name on the bottom of the picture but they are also signed. I can confirm that the name is Rattigan. I can't tell if the pictures are originals or prints but the signature looks original. The collection I bought was from an old gentleman who lived in Bonds Hospital sheltered accommodation in Coventry and he probably knew the artist. Sadly the man I bought the stuff off is no longer with us so I can't ask him. I will see if I can find out any more about him as I am also interested.

Thank you so much for your reply. I too am not sure if they are a print or the genuine artwork. The signature on all three differs ever so slightly, but I guess it doesn't confirm if a print or genuine. As they don't fit in with my decor, I'm looking at possibly selling them. I do however need to know the facts about them. I do know they were purchased in 1985. This is due to the fact my aunt dated everything as she bought them. Thanks again.

I am sorry Kgldsun, I have not been able to find anything out about J J Rattigan. I have looked on Ancestry and the most likely candidate seems to be John Joseph 1921-2006. There is another J J but he died in 1962 which may be a little early for some of the pictures. The black and white pictures I have include B & W pictures of the ones you have. Sorry I can't be of more help. Hopefully someone else will see your post and be able to help. Did your aunt have any connection with Coventry?

I think you have John's father there Anne. He died in 1962. I think their tree is something like this. John Joseph RATTIGAN -married- Ethel LEWIS. Their son (probably the artist) - John J RATTIGAN - born 1922 Q1 Foleshill. John Joseph the father - born. 9th July 1898. He married Ethel LEWIS on 1st May 1921. Details on Ancestry site but it won't allow access to their tree. The publisher is Guy RYLATT. John the artist probably married Kathleen Joan SKINNER (Joan Kathleen SKINNER) 1942 Q3 Coventry. I can't find anything else just yet.

When John Joseph and Kathleen got engaged he was a bombardier in the Royal Artillery and lived at 8 Shortley Road, Whitley, according to the Coventry Evening Telegraph announcement.

Hi again, other than being an avid British Isles traveller, there was no connection at all with Coventry. I'm guessing she saw them in a shop and liked them.

I have transcribed his very interesting obituary and posted it with his entry in our "Famous Coventrians" list - it was too long to post here

Sadly, the Telegraph is reporting that David Hale has passed away

His pictures lined or line the walls of Morrisons' café on the bypass. They were my first introduction to Coventry's walled city and my family and I admired them each time we went. I didn't know that two gates still existed and it was a while before I was to come back to those images with a new eye. Sad to lose another seeker of the past.

Anyone recognise this one which has just popped up on FB - looks like C M Grops signed? I think its Jordan Well but interested in the artist..

C H Gibbs ?