Joe Scarborough is a famous artist from Sheffield. He did two original paintings of Whitby and one of Sandsend. These paintings are available via The Whitby Guide as signed art prints.
Born in 1938 in Sheffield, Joe was originally from Pitsmoor and he still lives in his hometown on his well-loved narrowboat today. He is an artist who is most famously known for painting the humorous side of life in Sheffield.
When Joe finished school at 16 years old. He got his first job in a factory that produced tinned peas. He then went on to become a coal labourer and then a face worker at Thorpe Hesley Colliery. Joe found his love for painting after 6 years down the pit! It was the contrast of the dark of the pit and the light of the world above that inspired Joe to put paint on canvas.

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Joe’s first painting sold for a fiver at the time, however, Joe could not work in the mines and continue to paint. He decided to leave the pit and took on various labourer jobs at the same time which gave him the freedom to paint early in the mornings and in late evenings. Joe says that this is the best thing he ever did.
Joe made his big break working for Cyril Caplin. He offered for Joe to paint full time by making him an offer of £35 a week for two years. Joe accepted of course and in those two years, he produced between 70 – 80 paintings. This is when he had the time and freedom to develop his style, moving from painting clipper ships to his paintings that we love today.
As Joe’s reputation continued to grow, in 1973 he was able to hold his first show which led to exhibitions around the world. In 2008 he was commemorated as one of the Sheffield Legends with a star on the walk of fame outside Sheffield Town Hall.
Today you can find Joe’s paintings in many private and public buildings all over the world. Joe’s paintings can be found in major collections, including some in public art collections at Sheffield Museums and Sheffield Hallam University. His largest work “Sheffield Through the Ages” resides at Weston Park Museum in Sheffield. Joe continues to paint to this day.
Joe was a fan of North Yorkshire and visited regularly. We did two original paintings of Whitby and one of Sandsend. These are available as limited run signed art prints. You can buy these today via The Whitby Guide.
Joe Scarborough Endeavour Whitby Print
This is an exclusive signed print taken from an original painting of Captain Cook's Endeavour in Whitby.
“I never pass up the opportunity to paint a beautiful ship. She never sailed from Whitby but I loved the idea of painting her in her spiritual home, where her famous Captain learned his trade” – Joe Scarborough
Outer Dimensions (LXH): 70cm x 50cm
Inner Dimensions (LXH): 43cm x 43cm
Signed by Joe
Limited run of 100
Joe Scarborough Whitby Regatta Print
This is an exclusive signed print taken from an original painting of Whitby Regatta.
“I think of three things when I think of Whitby; Captain Cook, Dracula and the Regatta. I was so proud of this work and one of the first people I showed it to was the President of the Whitby Amateur Rowing Club. ‘Love it Joe', he said stroking his chin, ‘but there’s just one thing. Those boats would never win a thing in any rowing race I've ever seen. With three oars, they’d just go round in a circle.' OOPS!” – Joe Scarborough
Outer Dimensions (LXH): 68cm x 55cm
Inner Dimensions (LXH): 58cm x 45cm
Signed by Joe
Limited run of 100
Joe Scarborough Sandsend Hotel Print
This is an exclusive signed print taken from an original painting of Sandsend.
“I love Sandsend! Nobody knows about Sandsend except Audrey and I! We took the children there – the first time we'd got any money. Children didn't stay with us, they stayed in an old railway carriage, especially put for the kids, and it was great! We sat down one night and it really felt posh…Audrey thought we were just living it up. And just for a minute, we felt like somebody.” – Joe Scarborough
Outer Dimensions (LXH): 70cm x 50cm
Inner Dimensions (LXH): 50cm x 44cm
Signed by Joe
Limited run of 100
All our Joe Scarborough signed art prints come with free UK delivery. Each of these prints is limited to a run of 100. Get yours today in our online store.
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