After 33 years in Government Service, Harry took early retirement in 1997 to study for a BA(Hons) in Fine Art at Newcastle University. Graduating in 2001, he became a full-time professional artist.

 He had already had his first solo show in 1995, at  the University Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne. and later solo shows were held at The Samling Foundation at Dovenest,  Windermere.(1999); Gallagher & Turner Gallery, Newcastle upon  Tyne (2000); The Creel Inn, Catterline (2005).

 Since 2004, he has shown in group shows, including successful four man shows under the banner of Figure8 : 

2004 - Figure 8 - Long Gallery, University of Newcastle. 

2005 -  Figure 8: Streetworks -    ire   Pottery Gallery, Alnwick. 

2006 -  Figure 8: Pictures Not Words - The Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley.

            Figure 8 - Customs House, South Shields.  

2007 -  Figure 8: Paintings - The Guildhall, Newcastle upon Tyne.

2008 -  Figure 8: Seen in Colour - Central Library Gallery, Gateshead

             Figure 8: Colour Room - Myles Meehan Gallery, Darlington.

             Figure 8 Paintings - Corner Gallery, The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.

             Colourworks - Tom McGuinness Gallery, Bishop Auckland.

2009 - Figure 8: New Paintings, Preston Hall Museum, Stockton-on-Tees  

              ‘Earth-Water-Concrete-Steel-Brick', The Lloyd Gill Gallery, Weston-Super-Mare

PRIZES:1994 -  Regional Prizewinner in the  John Laing Art Competition; 1996 - Second Prize in The Journal Art Competition, Newcastle upon Tyne and  First Prize the following year. 2004 - awarded the Rotsler Award at the Loscon in Los Angeles in 2004.

COMMISSIONS: 1997- commissioned to produce two paintings (2 x 12 feet and 2 x 8 feet) for the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne. 2006 - Commissioned to produce painting  of " 89 Cornwall Street" for Wenham Major Ltd.