Northern Football Grounds Are Celebrated in This Yorkshire Artist's New Book
Artist Paul Town has released an illustrated book celebrating Northern football clubs and his love for the sport
We find out more about The Man Who Paints Football.
Paul was a keen cricketer in his teens and 20s and played overseas in Sydney, Australia for a season in 1992, but he’s always loved football. ‘Football grounds, especially the classic old grounds of yesteryear, have always intrigued me,’ he says. ‘I’d read all about them in my early teens which ignited my passion to draw what I’d seen or where I’d watched games. Every ground was original in both shape and design, which was far more eye-catching than the stadiums of today.
‘I just loved to draw as a youngster and coupled my real hobbies of football and art to draw all the football grounds I’d been to with [my] dad watching my hometown club Bradford City. Today, I particularly love to paint in oils which I’ve been doing for 14 years now, swaying towards football scenes from the lost stadiums of bygone years. What started out as a hobby very quickly turned into a thriving business, gaining commissions from clients globally. We also sell prints and jigsaw puzzles of all my work, a part of the business that keeps my wife Lindsay busy. Christmas is always beyond busy.’
Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, Sunderland’s former home Roker Park and Boro’s long-lost Ayresome Park are amongst a number of the North’s iconic football grounds celebrated in Paul’s first book, The Man Who Paints Football.
‘A book about my art was always something I’d wanted to do. I suppose it was always part of the masterplan once I felt comfortable with where I was as an artist,’ he says. ‘I believe it’s a unique publication as I’ve not currently seen anything like it on the shelves. It’s more about my personal journey and experiences watching football – both good and bad. Both myself and my dad were lucky to escape the fire disaster at Valley Parade in 1985 where 56 people lost their lives. I still suffer from the trauma today and painting helps me relax and focus on something I’m passionate about.
‘When people read the book they will hopefully realise that it’s written from my heart, backed up with colourful football ground paintings. I would say I find painting easier than writing books, however it’s a time of my life I wished to share with others and I sincerely hope they like it. I’ve have some tremendous feedback from hundreds of people who have bought it, which is heart warming.’
The book features more than 100 artworks and a foreword from sports commentator John Helm. Paul says he’s learned a lot about himself whilst putting it together. ‘I’ve tried to be as honest and humble as possible about my work as I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made along the way,’ he says. ‘Being an artist is like a drug where you want to improve and develop daily.’
Paul plans to continue painting sports grounds (including rugby and cricket). ‘It’s a huge thrill to hand over a commission to a customer as they become your friend,’ he adds. ‘Its a very emotional subject when you’re asked to paint someone’s life or memories either inside or outside a football ground as you could be painting someone they miss or have lost. It’s an incredible honour.’
Quick-Fire Questions
Who do you support?
Bradford City.
Which is your favourite stadium?
The old Bradford Park Avenue ground will always remain my favourite for reasons that are personal to me from both my youth and my family history. Dad scored a goal there on his trials for the club which has been documented within the book. I painted the scene from my imagination by what he’d told me about it. The image is used several times on both the covers and inside the book.
What advice do you have for budding artists?
Patience is the key, but most importantly is to paint what you love as I feel that’s how you become engrossed within your subject. For example steam enthusiasts may paint steam engines, however whatever you paint you must realise that every day is a school day and you only learn by doing. Explore other artists and watch videos etc. I must say though, I’ve learnt by doing and created my own style which is very important to how you wish to express yourself.
