Maurice William Crawshaw was born in 1947 in the city of Sheffield and began his working life in the steel works. His talent for sketching saw him leave Sheffield and head for Norfolk to pursue a career as a photographer and commercial artist.

Some years ago Maurice came across, by way of an old publication, “the art of candle smoke painting”. This was a pastime which the Victorians used for entertainment purposes. The medium fascinated him and after years of experimenting and developing his technique, he started to produce exquisite works of art using only the smoke from a candle on a “canvas” of glass. The ethereal quality of the smoke on the glass produces a magical effect with candlesmoke 310 x 410mm with frame £165 including p&p.

Maurice continued to develop this art, progressing to a backdrop of “Mother of pearl” with its rippled and shimmering surface. He now works with top silversmiths and produces truly beautiful and highly original pieces of jewellery.

Maurice is now an elected member of the Royal Society of miniature painters (RSM) and the society of Limners (sLm) gaining honourable mentions with both societies. In a recent Welsh tourist exhibition his work was voted “peoples choice” for the best picture.

Maurice exhibits widely now, with agents in Scotland, Ireland and England.

As a popular and an award winning artist, his work is held in collections worldwide.