Leyland artist behind viral Lancashire sketches joins up with Worden Park Walled Garden restoration team
Simon used to be known as the ‘cartoon guy’, but has changed his style and rediscovered his love for art after 25 years.
A former pupil support worker who has become one of Lancashire’s most recognisable emerging artists has joined up with the team behind Worden Park's Walled Garden restoration.
Simon Nisbet, whose vibrant sketches of Lancashire landmarks such as Preston Flag Market and Brucciani’s have attracted thousands of followers online, is hoping to base some of his creative work at the Walled Garden, as part of the volunteer team supporting the project.
Raised in Leyland and educated at St Gerard's in Lostock Hall, All Hallows in Penwortham, Runshaw College and Preston College, Simon has always been creative. As a child he was known as "the cartoon guy", but like many people, adult life took him in a different direction. Most recently, Simon spent two years as a pupil support worker at Belmont Secondary School in Rawtenstall, supporting boys with behavioural and emotional challenges.
Inspired by the work of Dutch artist Albert Kiefer, known online as HouseSketcher, Simon decided to pick up a pen once again after a gap of more than two decades. "I've almost rediscovered it after 25 years," says Simon.
What began as a hobby quickly gained momentum. Posting sketches of local landmarks to Facebook, Simon found an enthusiastic audience eager to celebrate the places and memories attached to them. His colourful drawings of Brucciani's, Umberto's Fish Bar, the Harris Museum, Winston's and Preston North End have since become familiar sights across social media.
His first sale came when a sketch of Preston restaurant Umberto's caught the attention of the owners. “I genuinely didn't think anyone would pay for my work," he recalls.
Today, Simon's artwork is stocked by the Harris Museum and a selection of his signed prints is set to be launched through Fab Interiors. Commissions have arrived from across the UK and overseas, often from people seeking a connection to a cherished Lancashire landmark or family home.
While Simon describes himself as an architectural artist, he believes the real subject of his work is memory. "People see their own stories in the drawings," he says. "Everybody's got a story."
The restoration
That focus on community and connection made him a natural fit for Rooted Connections CIC, the organisation now leading the restoration and revival of Worden Park's 250-year-old Walled Garden.
The historic site, originally built in 1777 for the Farington family of Worden Hall, is being transformed into a community hub focused on wellbeing, heritage, creativity and education. Simon hopes to create artwork inspired by the garden and its heritage as part of his involvement with the project, helping to tell the story of this historic space.
Matt Tyler, co-founder of Rooted Connections CIC, said: "We're delighted that Simon has chosen to support the project and share his creativity as part of the growing volunteer community around the garden."
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For Simon, the move feels particularly meaningful. "There are a lot of parallels," he says. "The garden is about preserving stories and creating new ones. That's what I try to do with my artwork as well."
As volunteers continue to restore the historic garden and plans for its future gather pace, Simon is preparing to begin work from a studio surrounded by almost 250 years of Lancashire history.