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The Secret Painter

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The Secret Painter

By: Joe Tucker
Narrated by: Joe Tucker
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About this listen

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

One of the crowd and yet one of a kind. The astonishing story of 'The Secret Lowry'.

Joe Tucker’s Uncle Eric was a beloved yet unconventional figure throughout his life. A shambolically dressed man who lived with his mother for almost eighty years, he appeared to exist only for daily trips to the bookie – and yet had also quietly amassed over five hundred of his own remarkable paintings without anyone ever realising his achievements.

In this touching, funny and thoughtful investigation into the nature of expression, the ownership of art and the secret life of those nearest to us, Joe Tucker brings us into his uncle’s world – and brings Eric Tucker’s life’s work into ours.©2025 Joe Tucker (P)2025 Canongate Books Ltd
Art & Literature Artists, Architects & Photographers Funny

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Critic reviews

'A timely reminder that art did not originate as an investment opportunity or a get-rich-quick scheme but as a way for human beings to make sense of their lives (plus make them bearable into the bargain). Miracles happen in the most unlikely places' (JARVIS COCKER)

'Joe Tucker is a natural storyteller and The Secret Painter is a brilliant, engrossing read. Tucker discovers and uncovers a rich and fascinating tale hidden in his own family. What he finds, and how he acts upon it, will change their world forever, and his book serves as an important reminder to all of us that the great stories in our lives are often closer to us than we think' (LEMN SISSAY)

'A thoroughly satisfying enquiry into both a man and an artist. It was such a privilege to experience Eric's world. Joe is such a good storyteller and there is something really interesting about how art - or any creative endeavour - finds a way to a public space and how that can be really reliant on the personal qualities of the artist. I loved The Secret Painter' (CATHY RENTZENBRINK)

'Like his uncle before him, Joe Tucker inserts humanity and humour into the story of art. In this brilliant biography, he paints a heart-warming picture of an ordinary working-class man who achieved creative greatness. This is an uplifting, true story behind the many masterpieces found in an attic in Warrington, and how they were finally brought down for the world to see. I couldn't put this joyous book down!' (RUTH MILLINGTON)

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The stories made me laugh & cry. Fantastic - I loved the book and have already recommended it to others.
❤️❤️❤️❤️

Amazing story ❤️

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I loved every aspect of this story so I listened to it not stop and have told friends about it because I enjoyed it so much.

Fantastic in telling not just the story but also social history of the times

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I absolutely loved this book. What a story, what an artist. It just shows that we must value the diversity of individuals. How incredible. So well written and narrated by Eric’s nephew. I didn’t want it to end!

Outstanding

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The personal and the professional man and the visibility of the author. The prejudice towards the ‘working man’

An artist to be proud of.

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Creating something absolutely poignant yet completely understated is clearly a knack that runs in the family. This audiobook is captivating from start to finish. Heartwarming and at times heart-wrenching. A tenderly written and beautifully captured portrait of an artist in the truest sense of the word.

Loved this

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