Panto group discovers work by famous illustrator Walt Howarth

At this time of year SS Simon & Jude’s Amateur Dramatic Society would normally be in the last few weeks of rehearsal for its annual pantomime. Preparations had been taking place throughout 2020 just in case it became possible for them to perform.

Whilst deciding on potential backcloths for the panto members unearthed one that had been put aside for possible sale as, following renovations a few years ago, it no longer fitted the stage.

ORIGINAL: Close-up of Walt Howarth’s signature on the backcloth

What members hadn’t realised at the time was that the backcloth had been signed by the artist - a local celebrity Walt Howarth who became one of the leading illustrators of the Sixties and Seventies.

Walt began work as an illustrator aged just 16 after attending Tonge Fold School and Bolton Art College. Like many artists of his generation, his work was often uncredited, but his career spanned over 60 years.

He was best known for his many iconic illustrations of TV-themed annuals published by World Distributors.

Many readers might recall the covers ranging from The Lone Ranger, Dempsey and Makepeace, The Saint and Bonanza and early Doctor Who annuals which are particularly collectable - all of which showed his distinctive artwork.

A keen Bolton Wanderers fan, as he was starting out Walt sent examples of his work to the club and was invited by manager Walter Rowley to meet the team.

His caricatures of the players soon began to appear in the matchday programmes and a team portrait he did earned him tickets to the classic Matthews’ Final at Wembley in 1953 when Blackpool beat Bolton to lift the FA Cup Final.

After art school Walt worked in Manchester and was asked to illustrate annuals produced by World Distributors Limited. His first commission was a cover for John Wayne Adventure Comics and he went on to produce 77 further covers becoming an expert on the Wild West in the process.

Walt could turn his hand to most things - he illustrated various Beatles annuals and even Rupert the Bear products but his TV work was where he was best known.

In later life he became the landlord of the House Without a Name pub in Bradshaw and adorned the walls with many of his illustrations and covers.

SS Simon & Jude’s believe that the backdrop was painted at some point in the 1990s but no-one knows how Walt became involved in producing it.

One theory is that one of the society’s members may have been drinking in his pub and mentioned the society was in need of a backdrop and Walt duly obliged. It is not clear which pantomime the backdrop was for although possibly it was for a 1996 production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears which had a circus theme - there is a circus tentin the illustration.

He normally would not have tackled such a large piece (18ft x 10ft) and society members believe he had to suspend the cloth on the garage wall of the pub to paint it. It has been used in a few pantomimes as it is a typical village scene.

Failing eyesight and health problems curtailed his art in later life and Walt died in 2008, aged 80.

SS Simon and Jude’s is hoping that Looking Back readers can throw a little more light on to the story of backdrop. And members are also hoping that it might be possible to find someone who is interested in purchasing this unique piece by a prolific artist which would help boost society funds.

Like all theatre groups, the pandemic has put a stop to all productions which are the main source of income.

Members hope that it might be possible to stage some sort of production later in the year and Cinderella is planned for February 2022.

If you have any information about Walt Howarth and his artwork, perhaps you actually have some of his drawings, we would love to share more about this great Bolton character in Looking Back. Or you might know more about the creation of the backdrop. Email john.anson@nqnw.co.uk. Anyone interested in buying the large backdrop can contact Stella Crank from SS Simon and Jude’s on 01204 520232.