This popular series takes a look at the history of our towns and cities through art. Alan travels around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire visiting historic towns to paint views that have previously been painted over 100 years ago. He visits the local art gallery to find a painting of the town that typifies a location and goes to the exact spot where the artist stood over a century ago and paints it as it is seen today.

The result (with the help of a local historian) gives an insight into how the town has physically changed, and why. Towns such as Staithes and Robin Hoods Bay on the rugged North Yorkshire coastline feature alongside the ancient city of Leeds, together with Boston in Lincolnshire. Alan has also painted the beautiful towns kown as 'Gateways to the Dales' Skipton and Ilkley in West Yorkshire.
"It is a marvellous experience for me" said Alan "because I learn so much about the places I visit, and I get a good day out painting in the open air. It can sometimes be difficult to work when people want to look at what I'm up to and ask questions, but the TV cameras attract attention and it's only human nature to be inquisitive. To complete a whole painting in a few hours is usually impossible, so I return without the film crew and finish the painting in my own time."

Many of the paintings seen in the series are available as large, signed limited edition prints.