I’ll Race You To The Bottom by Leigh Lambert

A Glimpse into Yesterday

Leigh Lambert’s “I’ll Race You to the Bottom” transports viewers to a bygone era, where industrial landscapes meet childhood innocence. The monochromatic palette, punctuated by subtle hints of colour, evokes a sense of nostalgia and grit. Lambert masterfully captures the atmosphere of a working-class town, where smokestacks loom large and streets serve as playgrounds.

Innocence Amid Industry

The focal point is the “Rifle Hotel,” standing starkly against the backdrop of factories and towering chimneys spewing smoke. Children on bicycles race along the road, seemingly oblivious to the grim surroundings. Indeed, it is a scene full of life. The artist juxtaposes the youthful energy with the harsh realities of industrial life, creating a poignant contrast. Moreover, the composition draws the eye towards the horizon, hinting at both the constraints and possibilities of this environment.

Capturing a Moment in Time

Every detail contributes to the narrative, from the cobblestone streets to the weathered facades. Lambert’s attention to detail brings this scene to life. In fact, he captures the essence of a time when community thrived amidst adversity. The artwork is more than just a visual representation, it is a window into a world where simple joys prevailed against a backdrop of industrial hardship. “I’ll Race You to the Bottom” is a captivating piece that invites contemplation and evokes a sense of connection to the past.

Leigh Lambert

Leigh was born and raised in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where he resided for the first twenty years of his life. Lambert began to draw as soon as he could hold a pencil, with his family quickly recognising his artistic flair. As he progressed through school his exceptionally detailed creations captured the attentions of his teachers, who admired his canny knack for capturing a view. However, the artist describes himself as mostly self-taught, having received no formal art qualifications or training.

Lambert relocated to Warwickshire with his family in 1996, where he focused on the development of his technique. It was on leaving Newcastle that he began to appreciate the nature of his upbringing; what he had once seen as a concrete jungle now seeming strangely beautiful. Taking inspiration from his childhood, Lamberts pieces have a strong sense of nostalgia, evoking fond memories of a youth that many can relate to.

Lambert is an accomplished artist across a range of media, most commonly working in oils on board. His use of colour is minimal, optimistically applying splashes only to the figures that play amidst the otherwise monochromatic landscapes, capturing the joy and vitality of youth.

Working from his garden studio, the artist has achieved great success in recent years. In 2014 he was shortlisted as Best Up and Coming Artist in the prestigious Fine Art Trade Guild Awards, and consequently his works are hugely sough-after. Limited editions often sell out within weeks, and waiting lists are in place for those hoping to acquire original paintings.

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