Eric Stanway Reflects on his "Dirty Old Town"

Growing up in Manchester, England, writer and artist Eric Stanway reflects on his hometown as a world markedly different from the one that exists today. "It was a universe away from New Hampshire," Stanway recalls, contrasting his old life in England with his new experiences in the United States. "I went back a few times, and all these places got wiped out. They tore down the houses and put up flat blocks. They thought they were doing a good thing, but in a way, they destroyed the community and the things that bound people together." Stanway's poignant memories and observations about his hometown are vividly captured in his latest artistic endeavor — a series of ten oil paintings entitled "Dirty Old Town." This evocative exhibition opens on Sept. 21 and will run until Oct. 31 at the Ingalls Memorial Library in Rindge. An opening reception is scheduled for Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, where attendees can view Stanway's work and engage with the artist. Having relocated to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, Stanway has witnessed significant changes in Manchester. The city he once knew has been reshaped by extensive urban redevelopment. Entire neighborhoods that were once bustling with life have been replaced by towering skyscrapers and luxury condominiums. The slum clearance program, which began in the 1970s, displaced thousands of working-class families and replaced their communities with stark, brutalist housing projects. While intended as a solution to poverty, this program often exacerbated the very issues it aimed to address. Stanway's childhood was steeped in the gritty, industrial character of Manchester. His paintings seek to preserve the essence of the landscapes that have since become unrecognizable. "It was dark, dirty and smokey, but also fascinating," he says of his early experiences. "These are not just paintings; it is an essay done with paintings, the same way I would write a book. That's why I wanted to present it." His artistic approach reflects his desire to document and reflect upon the past, acknowledging both the harsh realities and the unique charm of his old surroundings. Despite the unpleasant conditions of the past, Stanway emphasizes the importance of recognizing and documenting historical realities. "We have to remember that generations spent their whole lives here," he notes. "This is a whole world that has since vanished, and we have to recognize that." His work serves as a tribute to a way of life that has been lost to the march of progress. This is not Stanway's first foray into the art world. Previously, he showcased "Faces of Horror," a series of seven oil paintings inspired by the Halloween season. This exhibition took place at the Blake House, home of the Fitzwilliam Historical Society, in October 2021. His fascination with Halloween also extends to his literary pursuits. In addition to his art, Stanway is a passionate Halloween enthusiast and has a new book set for release around the holiday. Titled "The Adventures of Dr. Korvus," the book features four separate stories centered on a Victorian inventor and his augmented rat named Klato. "The whole thing is real steampunk. They fight monsters and aliens from outer space, giant millipedes, and vampires," Stanway describes. The book promises to blend imaginative storytelling with a steampunk flair, offering readers an adventurous escape. For more information about Eric Stanway and his work, you can visit his website at www.ericstanway.net, or contact him via email at eric.stanway@yahoo.com or by phone at 585-9378. The Ingalls Memorial Library, where "Dirty Old Town" will be exhibited, is located at 203 Main St., Rindge. For more details about the library and the exhibition, visit www.ingallslibrary.com or email donna@ingallslibrary.com.