Rochdale born artist Tim Gratton, twice world champion and known as the leader of the artform of bodypainting. Tim now lives in Sidney, Australia. He left Rochdale at the age of 15 and served twelve years active service with the Royal Navy, but a desire in him caused him to leave to pursue a career in Fine Art. He first moved to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands to study fine art, painting and drawing where he lived for eight years and also studied for one year at The Bath Academy of Fine Arts, England. Tim discovered the art of Bodypainting by accident at a friends party in Amsterdam in 1991, from which he developed it into the art form seen today. Tim has won the World Championships twice, the first time in 1993 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and the second time in 1997 in London, United Kingdom. As the interest in Bodypainting grew, especially with the appearance of Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair his career took a sudden surge upwards, and his service within the media became somewhat sought after. Travelling around the world appearing in major publications and for T.V. interviews he promptly came to the forefront of this art movement. Tim's work is included in many private collections including HRH Prince Charles of Wales and Microsoft Inc, Washington, USA. Since 2003 Tim has collaborated with a variety of artists, models, make up artists and photographers around the world creating one off body art images. Tim developed Tim Gratton's Body & Face Paint with Australian company Matisse Derivan, he also produces competitions around Australia and the world. Not only are we at “I Love Rochdale” very proud of Tim and his achievements, but we also have the greatest pleasure to announce that Tim has donated a limited edition piece of his work to the Campaign. Tim will be in England to watch the cup final as he is a big Manchester City fan, he will be personally bringing his artwork to The Flying Horse Hotel on Monday the 13th of May at 12.30pm where he will sign his work in front of the press. This is a proud moment for us and we would love all of you to come to the signing, everyone is welcome the more the merrier. We hope you will all show your appreciation to Tim for his wonderful donation, and for travelling thousands of miles to get here. Thank you Tim, from I Love Rochdale.