Theodore Major

Theodore Major (19 February 1908 – 17 January 1999) was an English artist who was considered a great individualist in the British art world.

Born in Wigan, Lancashire, England, Major insisted that he was essentially self-taught as an artist. He actually studied at Wigan Art School between 1927–1932, and taught there between 1930-1950, and in 1952 founded the Wigan Arts Club.

Major established a reputation as a Lancashire artist. He drew cartoons for the Daily Mail and the Manchester Guardian. He shared exhibitions with his close contemporary L. S. Lowry. He was a member of the Manchester Group, along with Lowry, exhibiting at the Mid-Day Studios founded and run by Margo Ingham and Ned Owens .

Major became noted for his grim depictions of Wigan streets and factories, pictures of children, of lonely seascapes, of nudes and nightmare imaginations.

"To disturb and extend consciousness in the mind of the viewer" was his declared aim. He declined to sell pictures, "not to the people who want them, the rich people". He eventually had to buy the house next door as a store. He used a small front bedroom, with a good light, as a studio. He kept around 3000 of his pictures back from sale, saying that they were painted for ordinary people, not money. He used the house next door as a gallery & the general public were welcome to view his paintings for free.

The art critic and novelist John Berger called Major's pictures "among the best English paintings of our time".