Inside the mind of Len Grant

www.lengrant.co.uk

@len_grant

“I love sitting out on the street, drawing. I love the challenge of completing the whole sketch on my knee. And I love the conversations that strike up with passes- by. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city.

I haven’t always drawn. For 30-odd years I was a freelance photographer, documenting Manchester and Salford’s regeneration. Twelve years ago I started urban sketching and, like my photography, it began as a hobby and became my profession.

I’ve ditched the camera. Now I draw and write to make a living. Over the last few years I’ve published sketchbooks of Manchester neighbourhoods. First, Rusholme. Then West Didsbury and Withington. Last year I made a book about the Northern Quarter, and I called it Bars and Barbers because there are loads of both there. My fourth book, about Chorlton, will come out later this year.

From 16th May a little exhibition of my Chorlton sketches will be on display at Smoak café on Manchester Road (opposite Unicorn Grocers) as part of the Chorlton Arts Festival.”