Roger Davies, who grew up and still lives in Brighouse, describes his work as “commercial artwork” – art created with the hope that someone might want to live with it in their home.
“It’s inspired by aspects of my locality,” Mr Davies said. “I really love where I live, so that becomes the subject matter. I’ve always been interested in artists who use what’s on their doorstep.”
Although encouraged to pursue art while attending Brighouse High School, Mr Davies said he didn’t fully settle into his style while studying at art college. After leaving school in the year 2000, he stopped painting altogether.
A creative turning point at 40
Mr Davies returned to creating artwork in 2017 — on his 40th birthday.
“I just had all these images in my imagination,” he said. “I thought maybe I could try and make some artwork again.”
That decision led to a successful local exhibition at the Harrison and Lord Gallery in Brighouse, surprising Mr Davies and giving him the confidence to pursue painting full‑time. Eight years later, he now runs his own gallery space, which doubles as a studio where visitors can watch him work.
Roger’s paintings focus on recognisable local buildings and locations across Calderdale and beyond, including Brighouse, Halifax, Elland, Huddersfield and Bradford, often featuring places connected to personal memories.
Painting places with personal connections
One recent subject is the former Ritz Ballroom in Brighouse, which burned down last year.
He explained: “It was a really thriving night spot… I used to go jive dancing there years ago, and when I was a teenager walking around Brighouse with my sketchbook, it was always something I’d draw.”
Mr Davies works primarily from photographs but says realism isn’t his goal.
“My paintings aren’t meant to look like photographs,” he said. “They’re heavily stylised. Some people say they look a bit like cartoons, because I draw everything out first using charcoal and bold lines.”
Having worked on hundreds of paintings over the years, Mr Davies said choosing a favourite is difficult.
“I like any picture I actually manage to finish,” he said. “They might look straightforward, but they’re not as easy as they look.”
Local reactions and expanding the gallery
Since opening his gallery, Mr Davies often hears passers‑by recognising familiar scenes in his window displays.
He recalled: “I hear people saying, ‘I’ve been there’ or ‘that’s the old cinema…It’s interesting hearing what connects with people.”
Alongside original paintings and prints, Mr Davies’ gallery also sells locally themed gifts including jigsaws, mugs, cushions, tea towels and greetings cards.
“I’ve been getting away with it for eight years now,” he laughed. “So, we’ll see how it goes.”
