Looking at old photographs can be quite fascinating, but a photograph can only freeze a split-second in time where as with a painting we experience so much more. By selecting suitable figures in his picture, for example, he can show how people related to each other as well as to their own environment.

The artist Canaletto, with his attention to detail and accuracy takes one not only to Venice but back to the early eighteenth century. Another artist who John Gledhill has always admired was Pieter Bruegel, taking us back to the sixteenth century in Antwerp and Brussels. Again it is the attention to detail and social comment the scene presents that still attracts him to these paintings.

The Hull Marine School of painters was also a great influence when John Gledhill was young. It was not only the sea and ships but also the backgrounds that interested him. John Ward's views from the river showing Hull's shoreline were a particular fascination. To see for example, The Minerva pub still the same then as it is today and the pier which, sadly no longer exists in its former glory.

  

F.S.Smith at the turn of the nineteenth century recorded in his pencil sketches much of what he saw of Hull in his day, similarly John Gledhill, as a topographical painter, aims to record contemporary Hull (and other cities) so that people in the future can get a glimpse into our own day. He takes great care to show not only accurate detail of buildings but also of actual people in his paintings and spends much time photographing and sketching people in crowds walking around the town or in the parks. There is always the chance that in looking at one of his street scenes the viewer could see themselves or their friends walking around. This interest in representing real life people in his topographical scenes has led to an interest in portraiture. Indeed, much of his commissioned work is of portraits from photographs.

As an artist John Gledhill has made a speciality of topographical scenes, particularly of the City of Hull and painting churches. Some clients have requested paintings of their house or cottage or favourite scene sometimes including the client in the picture.

John Gledhill undertakes Commissions.
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