Despite a long and distinguished career at home and abroad, T P Flanagan can still proclaim, in conversation with Brian McAvera, “It may sound phoney but I’m never aware of myself as a totally formed artist”
Brian McAvera: John Hewitt, whom you knew well, believed that the North, and its artists and writers, had a regional identity. How important was Hewitt to you, and how far do you think that his notions of ‘place’ have a parallel in your landscape work?
Flanagan: Well John Hewitt was very important to me. He was a good friend. We both lived in Mount Charles, off University Road. I’d be working at the easel and look out in the mornings to see John on his way to work. I noticed that he seemed to be able to walk by instinct as he never lifted his head. He was always reading the post or a book. He reminded me of Dean Swift who was a great man for walking enormous distances being as was said ‘afflicted with a terrible pedestrianism’. Well Hewitt, had in my opinion, a terrible affliction for reading!
