The youngest of twelve children, Topham grew up in the farming village of Weston Lullingfields, Shropshire. A beautiful rural setting. TheShropshire Union Canal brought materials and goods right into the middle of the village, from places as from away as Manchester and Liverpool, for distribution to all parts of the county and beyond.

The artists father was a hard working man, and often worked sixteen hours a day to support his large family. He had settled in the area just before the outbreak of the Second World War, and built his business up during the hardships these times presented. His mother was a determined woman, and raised her family despite these difficulties; the farm did not have mains electricity and the only water supply was from a hand pump in the grounds of the property.

Early in Geoff’ life, his mother noticed he had an interest in art, and, somehow, found the time to help with tutoring. He loved watching her draw, and has wonderful memories of the enjoyment I had in copying her sketches.

Like everyone , Geoff continued to create art whenever he could, fitting it in around work commitments. After a long illness Geoff “Topham” Gough picked up where he had left off. Using his 2 favorites as inspiration. Turner and Constable. More recently, he has worked with renowned artists in Betys y Coed, Bath and Cornwall and now currently in the county of Herefordshire.

Paintings are produced under the name of “Topham”, a choice made to recognise and give gratitude Hilda Mary Topham his mother and to her brother, Arthur Topham, a War hero, who distinguished himself with acts of bravery before losing his life at the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Today you will find works of art inexhibited in galleries around Herefordshire;