Joe Scarborough, Sheffield's most celebrated artist, has announced his complete retirement from painting at the age of 87, bringing to a close a remarkable artistic career that began after an injury ended his work as a coal miner. The renowned artist, who has earned a star on Sheffield's Walk of Fame outside the city's Town Hall, shared his decision in a heartfelt message following the conclusion of his latest exhibition.
Scarborough's announcement comes after the end of his most recent exhibition at the Work Station on Paternoster Row, which closed at the end of September. In his retirement statement, he reflected on his artistic journey with gratitude and nostalgia. "It's been a long old road, one traveled, often with fingers crossed but always with enthusiasm and enjoyment," Scarborough said. He expressed his appreciation to those who supported him throughout his career, stating, "My heartfelt thanks to all those with whom I've shared the journey; family, friends, colleagues and most of all you my customers and supporters who made everything possible."
The artist's path to fame began after he was injured while working as a miner at Thorpe Hesley Colliery, following in his father's footsteps in the mining industry after leaving Marlcliffe School in Middlewood. Born in Pitsmoor, Scarborough transformed his life circumstances into an opportunity for artistic expression, developing a unique style that would eventually gain international recognition.
Scarborough's artistic achievements have been substantial, with his work now selling across all continents. One of his most successful exhibitions, "Life In The Big Village," took place at Weston Park Museum in November 2019 and attracted more than 50,000 visitors in just eight days. The museum now features a large piece of his work on permanent, prominent display, cementing his legacy in Sheffield's cultural landscape.
The artist has been known for his distinctive artistic approach, which he has described in detail. "I developed a style and an attitude and the first thing was to get rid of perspective. I had been anchored down by that, so the horizon had to go," Scarborough explained. He continued, "I needed a character and there was no room for a face. The people at the bottom of the picture are the same size as those at the top. Nobody else was doing that."
Despite retiring from painting, Scarborough plans to remain active in community service. He will continue his role as Ambassador for Sheffield Hospital Charity and has committed to helping and promoting Sheffield whenever possible. "I am looking forward to enjoying more time in the bosom of my wonderful family," he said, indicating his desire to focus on personal relationships in his retirement years. His departure from active painting marks the end of an era for Sheffield's art scene, where he has been recognized as a legendary figure whose work has brought international attention to the city's cultural offerings.
