Born in Helmington Row on 23rd October 1914. Les Robson was apprenticed to a local painter and decorator, after leaving school. Once qualified he set up his own business and was also a self-taught artist, selling paintings from the age of 11.
His other passion was dancing. attending dances in the area, where, after being stood up by his date for the evening, met his wife, Rose Emma. They married within 6 weeks and Les forged his dad’s signature so he could get married!. They were married for 69 years, had 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
At the age of 25 Les was called up for service and during the War was a Tank Sergeant in the Royal Armoured Corps, involved in the Battle of Kohima. This terrific battle stopped the Japanese getting into India. Les took part in this and in his own words “caught them with their pants down”
He turned down promotion because he loved his tank and his mates, serving 5 years in Burma and India.
He received the Oak Leaf Emblem, and was mentioned in despatches, published in the London Gazette for tactical knowledge.
After the war Les returned as a painter and decorator in and around Bishop Auckland and was considered to be the best ‘eggshell’ decorator in the region.
He worked for Camerons Brewery, painting murals in the local public houses and designed the famous Cameron’s Lion.
He studied at Darlington College to become a Teacher, for Art and Design and worked for Sunderland Education authority for 21 years before he retired. The year before his retirement in 1979, he turned down a job to decorate a Saudi Arabian Palace, due to his age and painting high ceilings.
Les is a Fellow of the Institute of British Decorators. and in retirement took up the role as a Part Time Assessor, assisting students at local prisons for a few years.
He had time on his hands for painting and was commissioned to paint portraits and landscapes and one can still be seen on display in his local pub, the Red Alligator in South Church – the famous Red Alligator racehorse.
He enjoyed gardening and was always up for a new challenge, so tried pottery and sculpture at Bishop Auckland College, where again, he was a natural – teaching the Tutor a few tricks.
Les is known for his talent, sense of humour and story-telling, reaching his 100th Birthday is yet another tale.
He was admitted to Lindisfarne Care Home in June 2012. His daughter lived in Newton Aycliffe and his grandchildren all went to school in the town.
Les with the Mayor and his Grandchildren
