Born in Stockport in 1926, Peter Shaw studied art at Stockport College, taught by artist and critic, Emmanuel 'Manny' Levy.  Peter's studies were interrupted when called up for compulsory service during the war when 17 years 9 months old. He subsequently attended Manchester School of Art graduating in 1963 and returned to Stockport College to teach, whilst pursuing his career as an artist.  He is best known for his gritty northern landscapes, not nostalgic northern scenes, landscapes that made him feel part of what he saw and how what he saw impacted on him personally.

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Peter had a cottage on the edge of Manley Moor in Derbyshire, where he spent a good deal of his time, with his wife Gillian.  As well as his visits to the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberia and Cumbria, and walking the various fells and dales, it progressed his work.  Gillian commented (taken from an article), that "we spent two summers in the Lake District in the middle sixties, initially to earn money, but his artwork was prolific and a period of great change occurred".  The Cumbian landscape inspired him to a brighter tone, with vibrant colours and a freshness of execution as he captured the majestic scenes that affected him so profoundly.  

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However, things were changing in Stockport, when a conservative run council decided that colleges should pay their way, so dropped all funding for non-vocational courses.  Peter continued to tutor at Stockport college, despite being totally opposed to these changes and was instrumental in inspiring Eileen onto her next artistic adventure.

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Peter, unfortunately died during the summer holidays in 1982, before these changes were implemented.  Stockport Art Gallery presented a major exhibition of his work, displaying 160 pieces from all parts of the UK.

His work is found in several public collections including the gallery itself.

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