REMEMBERING THOSE
WHO HAVE LEFT US

James Allen Hill was born in Leyland - son of Allen Hill, the Yorkshire and England cricketer, who took the first wicket in the inaugural test match against Australia in Melbourne on the 1876-77 tour.

He came to Leyland as cricket coach to the sons of J Stanning, of Broadfield House, after his professional career ended through injury.

He began painting as a young man and developed his natural talents influenced by S J Lamorna Birch ( a prominent Royal Academician) and George B Cookson (the Clerk of Works at Leyland Motors Foundry in the 1920s), who was himself a talented artist.

He exhibited at many leading galleries including the Royal Academy of London, Bristol's West of England Academy, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, the Royal Cambrian, London's Royal Institute, the Cartwright Gallery in Bradford, the Atkinson Gallery in Southport and the Harris Gallery in Preston. His watercolour "Passing Shower" was purchased for permanent collection in 1930. His work has long been appreciated and sought after.

Brigid Mary, his devoted wife, died in 1973 and, although not an artist herself, encouraged him with her lifelong interest and support.

James Allen Hill died at his home "Newlyn", on Leyland Road, on 28 August 1985; he was 82.