Arise Sir Lenneth...

Meet Len Grant, the man documenting Manchester’s soul.

For over 30 years, Len has captured the city’s evolution through his lens and sketchbook.

We discovered him last year when Angelique started yammering on excitedly about Len after finding him on Instagram.

I’d heard the name, but after seeing his style, I got it.

I bought Angelique his book for Christmas 2024: Bars and Barbers: Sketches from the Northern Quarter.

But what really sucked us in was Len’s why.

He once said, "Giving voice to parts of our society at a time when they were politically denigrated was, and continues to be, important to me"

Knowing he uses his storytelling instinct and sketchbook to tackle social issues with empathy and give a voice to the vulnerable made us fans for life.

Hook, line, and sinker!

Then, in December, we found it: a print of The Deaf Institute in Manchester City Centre.

Before Simon moved to France, his band (Puppet Rebellion) played a sold-out headline show at this venue.

Seeing Len’s sketch felt like one of those perfect moments when art and your own history collide!

It’s now framed and taking pride of place in our kitchen.

To us, Len’s work captures the grit and feeling of Manchester venues better than a sterile photograph ever could.

Our advice is to follow @len_grant on Instagram or go to his website here.

If Manchester means something to you, you need one of his books on your shelf or a print on your wall.