Thomas McGoran (95) a Glasgow artist, who did not start painting until he retired, is showing off his work at the Forge Market in the east end of the city.<br /><br />In his own words, Thomas McGoran "wants the world to see his art before he dies".<br /><br />Dozens of his oil paintings have gone on display at the city shopping centre and is free to members of the public.<br /><br />Born in Ayr, Thomas and his family moved to Glasgow's Dennistoun when he was 4 years old.<br /><br />Thomas was talented at drawing as a child, but it was a retirement gift from his wife Jenny that got him painting.<br /><br />"I was made redundant in 1988 and my wife gave me a retirement present of a box of oil paints and brushes.<br /><br />"I had never used oils in my life - But through trial and error I persevered and learned how to paint and I love working with them."<br /><br />His inspiration comes mainly from his memories.<br /><br />His vivid recall of growing up in Glasgow in the 1930s inspired images packed with details of childhood games, tenements and washing greens.<br /><br />The exhibition is drawing in the crowds with some visitors reduced to tears as his paintings transport them back to their childhood.<br /><br />"We spent the 1930s living in a small street in Dennistoun. My paintings show the mischief we got up to and the games we played.<br /><br />"It was a great time. The 1930s, then the war and after the war we just picked up again. Life was great in those days.<br /><br />"We had to make own entertainment, do our own thing. Our parents let us run wild. It was marvellous. Best time in my life."<br /><br />Thomas had stored over 60 paintings in a wardrobe and felt it was time to show them to the world.<br /><br />Speaking about the feedback from the public Thomas said " The public have been absolutely marvellous, they have been great. Not one person has said they are rubbish" he says with a smile.<br /><br />Visit the 1930s is at The Forge Shopping Centre until 26 February
