Sean Durkin

Sean Durkin was born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire in 1964. When his father infamously stole a painting by L.S. Lowry, little did Sean Durkin think he would become an acclaimed artist himself.

In 1972, John Durkin stole a painting depicting St Hilda’s Church and old Town Hall from a public art gallery. When he was arrested by police after the theft, he had a ransom letter with three demands. The first demand was that the gallery should have a better alarm system fitted, secondly the gallery should to be opened on Sundays, thirdly, the Mayor should raffle his underpants for charity! Being only eight at the time, Sean Durkin recalls coming downstairs the following morning to find the stolen painting on the mantelpiece. He was fascinated by the atmosphere of the painting and the ‘matchstick’ people as they scurried around the scene.

He did not realise it at the time, but the painting would have a profound effect on his life. Ultimately inspiring him to become an artist himself.

Sean Durkin holds regular exhibitions and has been the subject of numerous BBC TV, Radio and Newspaper articles. Sean has also been proud to donate paintings and raise thousands of pounds in support of local and national charities.

He has a growing band of collectors including national companies and well known personalities.

The keen eye may spot an array of whimsical characters including a matchstick illustration of a policeman, a robber or even the mayor in his underpants in the occasional painting as a cheeky nod to his father’s exploits.