Low Fell

Len grew up in this village, whose name is derived from the words 'village through the fields'. It is now part of Gateshead. From the late 1800's its development was heavily influenced by transportation. The first road out of Gateshead to Low Fell was named Sodhouse Bank as the houses were roofed with turf. New roads soon appeared including Belle Vue Bank, near to where Len and his wife, Elsie, have lived for the last fifty years. This village has been a major influence on Len's life, enjoying all it has to offer culturally and socially. Its landscape has changed significantly even if some of the landmarks in the adjacent picture remain today, notably the Alum Well, the first source of pumped water in the village. More

Gateshead

Gateshead has a long history of heavy industry but also one of relative poverty. It has had a great influence upon the North East and also on Len's life. The town lies on the southern bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle upon Tyne. Gateshead town centre and Newcastle are joined by seven different bridges across the Tyne. The town is becoming increasingly well known for several examples of iconic architecture such as The Sage Gateshead, which now occupies a high position up the bank to the far left of this picture. Gateshead's artistic development mirrors Len's career development in that the late 20th and early 21st Century have seen their respective lives turn to more of a cultural focus. More 

Kelvin Grove Primary School, Gateshead

Len spent a number of years at this old, but highly respected school in the Saltwell district of Gateshead. Pupils from a variety of ethnic and social backgrounds converged at this place of learning. He taught at this school longer than any other, perhaps reflecting the enjoyment he gained from the diversity of local cultures. This happy and successful school prided itself on getting the most out of all the children, no matter how academic they were. Not surprisingly this school influenced a significant period in Len's career. More

Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead

The Shipley is the North East's leading gallery of design and contemporary craft. Its redevelopment, resulting in the stunning 'Designs for Life' gallery, showcases over 300 objects. The Shipley also houses an outstanding painting collection including William Irving's 'The Blaydon Races'. More Len has studied many works on display in the Shipley and some of the work featured in his portfolio is hanging there.

The Sage and The Baltic

Gateshead Quays, or to give its broader, post regeneration 'brand' name, NewcastleGateshead, has enjoyed a cultural and environmental renaissance as a result of a huge programme of inward investment of public funding. Many locals, including Len and Elsie, have benefitted personally from the creation of both The Sage Gateshead More and also the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, home in 2011 to the very first Turner Prize Exhibition to be held outside London. More  Much of the work in The Baltic More has influenced Len's work.

The Angel of the North, Harlow Green, Low Fell

This, now iconic symbol of the North East, was created by Len's famous, sculptor friend Anthony Gormley. A contemporary structure, that was not universally embraced at first by the people of Tyneside, stands on the land of a former colliery, which Len remembers as a hard place where men emerged with the dark, dusty patina of work and grime etched across their entire bodies. Those men would never have imagined the evolution of the pit into one of the most visited attractions in England. More