Cowan Dobson (1893 – 1980) became a leading portrait painter of well-known society, political and military figures; his sitters included Amy Johnson, Clement Attlee, Earl Beatty, Harold Wilson, and King Olaf of Norway. His full name was David Cowan Dobson, but he dropped his first name as his reputation grew.…
Barry Throup (1939 – 1985), was born in Silsden, and was the younger brother of the sculptor, painter and printmaker, Noel Throup. After he left local secondary school, Barry worked in local manufacturing companies. He later enlisted with the Royal Air Force, but after 12 months was invalided out with TB.…
Noel Throup was born in 1936 in Silsden; his father, Stanley, was a local printer. Noel attended Keighley Boys’ Grammar School, where the art master was the Silsden artist, Hildred Harpin. He also received art tuition from another Silsden artist, Joseph West ; and Stan Boardman, a friend of his…
