Salford artist creates incredible scenes from his high-rise flat

Artist Philip Horrocks 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 incredible scenes of Salford and Manchester.

From his flat in Blackfriar Court, 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.

Philip, aged 64, has lived in Blackfriar Court for nearly 30 years. He’s a tenant of housing association 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 just three years of age. 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 what she saw.

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.”