A painting celebrating pub life in the Potteries is to be unveiled at the Bulls Head, Burslem, on Friday, 15 August.

The oil painting by renowned Stoke-on-Trent artist Rob Pointon shows Potteries Pub Preservation Group chairman Harold Harper enjoying a game of dominoes.

Visitors to Burslem may remember Harold sitting for the painting in the window of the Barewall Gallery during an exhibition of Rob’s work in spring 2014.

The exhibition was sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent’s Titanic Brewery and now Harold has given the painting on permanent loan to the Bulls Head, Titanic’s brewery tap in St John’s Square, Burslem.

It will take pride of place in the pub’s bar – a place where Harold and friends have enjoyed many games of dominoes.

Dave Bott, Director of Titanic Brewery, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this wonderful art work on loan from Harold. Rob Pointon’s Barewall exhibition was a major success and included him spending time as an artist in residence at the Bulls Head, painting the comings and goings of visitors to a traditional Potteries pub.

“Many visitors to the exhibition will remember Harold sitting for the painting in the gallery window. It was a fascinating spectacle seeing Rob at work and we can’t wait to see the finished piece at the unveiling.”

Barewall’s Paula Millward said: “Rob’s exhibition was a great success for Barewall and his presence painting the scenes of Burslem generated a lot of interest.

“When Rob offered the painting to Harold he wanted it to be seen in a fitting place – a traditional, welcoming Potteries pub.”

Owned by Amanda Bromley and Paula Millward, Barewall showcases and champions the work of North Staffordshire artists and the world renowned Burslem School of Art.

Rob Pointon will unveil his painting of Harold Harper at 7pm on Friday, 15, August, at the Bulls Head, St John’s Square, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Nigel Howle on 07762043436 or email [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

For further information about Titanic Brewery and its award winning beers visit the company’s website atwww.titanicbrewery.co.uk Titanic Brewery was founded in Burslem in 1985 and has grown to produce more than 2.3 million pints of fine ale every year. It is owned by Stafford born brothers Keith and Dave Bott. Keith is a past Chairman of SIBA, the society of independent brewers. The brewery name is in recognition of Stoke-on-Trent as the birthplace of Captain Edward Smith, Master of the ill-fated Titanic ocean liner.

For further information on Barewall, go online at www.barewall.co.uk