City Hall, Bradford Cathedral the Yorkshire Penny Bank, Valley Parade, the old Kirkgate Market, the Wool Exchange and the Alhambra Theatre are some of the historic buildings he has drawn.
Now Nigel is focussing on pubs around the district, to highlight the plight of licensees facing sharp rises in business rates from April.
The Government has come under fire from pub bosses and industry chiefs following changes to business rates, announced in last autumn’s Budget. Nigel fears the cherished ‘local’ is at risk. “A lot of pubs are closing at an alarming rate,” he says. “There’s going to be a time when they’re just not there anymore.
“Pubs are a big part of our heritage and culture. Many of Bradford’s old pubs were linked to industry. You’d finish work and go to the pub.
“But sadly a lot of them are disappearing. I wanted to highlight some of these fantastic places – pubs that have been around for a long time, at the heart of communities, where people can still go to meet up.”
A former rugby league player with Bradford Northern, Nigel is a self-taught artist who started drawing during lockdown. It was the first time he’d picked up a pencil in 50 years.
What started as a hobby turned into a prolific output and he has recently had artwork exhibited at Sunbridge Wells, Bradford Mechanics Institute and the Trapezium Gallery in the city centre, and Bradford Industrial Museum.
“A lot of my drawings come from photographs that I take,” says Nigel. “I can sit drawing for 10 or 12 hours. The time period depends on what I’m drawing, and how intricate it is. I find it very relaxing – although it’s not so good for the eyes.”
He adds: “I left school at 16 with one O-level in art. I was always into sports – I played rugby league, did marathon running, refereeing.
“During Covid I needed something to do so I started to draw places that had caught my eye, like the old Penny Bank building and Bradford Technical College. Bradford has some beautiful architecture and monuments; it’s a pleasure to draw all the detail. All my drawings are in different grades of leaded pencil. Sometimes I use coloured pencil if I feel the drawing needs it.”
“Over the last three years it has really taken off. The pleasure I get from drawing, and from the end result, is great.”
Last year, during Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, Nigel showcased his artwork at festivals, craft fairs and exhibitions. As well as pubs and landmark buildings, he draws pets, churches and sports grounds, including the homes of Bradford City and the Bradford Bulls.
“It keeps me busy. It’s a good job I’m retired!” laughs Nigel, who also has a Facebook art page. “It have over 565 members. It’s been a bit of a success story.”
Next he plans to exhibit some of his work at the new Golden Palms restaurant and events venue, in the former Telegraph & Argus press hall on Hall Ings.
* Nigel’s Facebook page is N.S.WRAY ART
