John Goodlad - “The Gateway”, 2019
A characterful Northern urban scene by Manchester artist John Goodlad, painted in 2019. The composition centres on a monumental red-brick gateway, viewed from an elevated position and surrounded by simplified institutional buildings. Groups of elongated figures pass through and gather around the entrance, giving the scene movement and a strong sense of everyday civic life.
Goodlad uses a restrained palette of brick red, cream, grey and black, with loosely worked surfaces and emphatic dark outlines. The compressed perspective, stylised architecture and procession of small figures reflect the Northern realist tradition associated with L. S. Lowry, while the warm colour and direct handling remain distinctly Goodlad’s own. The panoramic format allows the gateway to act as both the architectural and visual focus of the painting.
About the Artist
John Goodlad is a contemporary British painter associated with Manchester and the Northern painting tradition. Born in Northenden, Manchester, he returned to art education later in life and studied at Manchester Metropolitan University. His paintings are known for simplified architecture, expressive outlines and groups of stylised figures observed in streets, public spaces and scenes of everyday British life.
Goodlad’s work shows the influence of L. S. Lowry, particularly in its compressed urban settings and narrative groups of figures, while retaining an individual use of colour and direct, expressive handling. “The Gateway” is a strong example of this approach, combining a recognisable Northern urban atmosphere with a carefully structured architectural composition.
Details
- Artist: John Goodlad
- Title: “The Gateway”
- Date: 2019
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Signature: Initialled JG and dated 2019, lower right
- Artwork size: 20 × 38 cm (7.9 × 15.0 in)
- Frame size: 25 × 43 cm (9.8 × 16.9 in)
- Condition: Artwork and frame both in excellent condition
- Provenance: Certificate of Authenticity attached to the reverse
Presented in a decorative moulded frame and ready to hang.
