Painter in watercolour and oil and teacher, born in Halifax, Yorkshire, who studied at Huddersfield School of Art. He was a textile designer in Bradford and Belfast for 18 years, from 1982 teaching landscape painting. Settled in Ireland from 1973, living at Greenisland, County Antrim. Dearden was an associate of RUA and a member of Ulster Watercolour Society. Also showed with RHA; Narrow Water Gallery, Warrenpoint; Kelly Hotel, Wexford, annual show from 1988; and at Dublin Castle, 1995. Among awards was the Queen’s Award for Export, 1978. Had many solo shows, including a series at Queen’s University, Belfast, also Ulster Arts Club, Newry Art Centre, Seymour Gallery in Lisburn, Trooperslane Gallery, Carrick, and Cavehill Gallery, Belfast.