Salford artist creates incredible scenes from his high rise flat

Nestled in a small quiet corner of Salford, amongst the hustle and bustle of suburban life, from a second-floor flat of a tower block a hand darts to and fro across a canvas as delicate lines are committed to form intricate snapshots of Salford and Manchester.

Philip Horrocks a 64-year-old artist has lived and worked in Salford all his life and in that time has created some incredible paintings

His work depicts everything from majestic African animals to lifelike renaissance portraits and his incredible scenes of Manchester.

From his flat in Blackfriar Court, in the Trinity area of Salford, Philip spends his time creating intricate works, his small studio bursting with art materials, canvasses and more of his incredible paintings.

With Manchester city centre just a stone’s throw from his home, the city has often been Philip’s muse; his work intricately picking slices of life from the bustling vibrant streets.

Inspiration also comes from further afield as his canon of work shows his ability to capture beautiful images of African animals such as the head of a majestic lion, each hair of his mighty golden mane painstakingly committed to canvas.

Philip has lived in Blackfriar Court for nearly 30 years. He’s a tenant of Salix Homes and the artist in residence loves his artisan abode.

He said: “Oh, I love it here, Salix Homes have been great, they look after the place and I feel safe here. I love Salford, it’s a friendly, witty and warm place to live, it’s great being so close to such a good arts scene.”

Philip has painted since he was three years of age, drawing bunnies in nursery are some of his early memories. He went on to complete a degree in fine art and since then has spent his life painting, drawing and etching a wondrous array of images.

Nicola Mcatamney, a property safety officer at Salix Homes, stumbled across Philip’s work on a routine visit to Blackfriar Court and was amazed by his work.

She said: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing – everywhere you look are these amazing pieces of art – it’s like a gallery in his own home.

“It’s hard to believe that a small apartment in a Salford tower block is home to some of the most extraordinary artistic masterpieces I’ve ever seen. Philip has an incredible talent, and his work deserves to be seen by the wider public.”

Philip continues to paint and has several pieces he is working on, ultimately, he would love to have an exhibition so the public can enjoy his skill capturing images in lifelike detail.

“It would be great for others to see my paintings,” he added.

“I think a lot of people enjoy art in whatever form, I would just like to push my work as far as I can and let the good folk of Salford and Manchester see them.”

Philip’s passion for Salford and art are evident, his infectious enthusiasm is clear, when asked if he would consider appearing on any of the TV shows featuring portrait artists, with a smile in his eyes, he replies ‘Never say never’.