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Piccadilly Gardens,
Circa 2025
Michael Ashcroft
Painting : oil
20 x 25 x 0.5 cm 7.9 x 9.8 x 0.2 inch
$1,308
1 308 $US
One of the last works available by this artist
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About the artwork
Type
Unique work
Signature
Hand-signed by artist
Authenticity
Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery
Invoice from the gallery
Dimensions cm • inch
20 x 25 x 0.5 cm 7.9 x 9.8 x 0.2 inch Height x Width x Depth
Support
Framing
Beige frame
Artwork dimensions including frame
38 x 44 x 4 cm 15 x 17.3 x 1.6 inch
Artwork sold in perfect condition, framed, ready to hang
Artwork location: United Kingdom
Michael John Ashcroft's oil painting, , is a compelling addition to his renowned series of realist Manchester cityscapes. The work captures one of the city's most central and frequently visited public spaces, moving beyond simple representation to convey the raw, ever-shifting atmosphere of the area. As a contemporary artist with a profound connection to the North West, Ashcroft uses this iconic urban centre as a stage to explore the dynamic interplay between architecture, human activity, and the elements. His technique—grounded in the tradition of Northern Impressionism—offers an immediate, truthful rendering of the scene, a signature quality that has earned him recognition amongst prestigious bodies like the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
The artistic success of the piece lies in the painter's masterful treatment of colour and light. Ashcroft is particularly fascinated by the dramatic contrast of artificial neon and street lighting against the diffused natural light of a Mancunian day, often depicting the scene at dusk or on a wet afternoon. The application of oil paint is characteristically energetic, with rich, deliberate brushwork that creates texture and movement across the canvas, especially in the depiction of the wet pavement reflecting the surrounding buildings and bus lights. This technique gives the painting a sense of immediacy and life, transforming the often-maligned public square into a vibrant, atmospheric spectacle that highlights the city's unpretentious character.
Ultimately, serves as a powerful artistic document, capturing a familiar landmark that is perpetually in transition. Ashcroft's deep affection for Manchester is evident in his realisation of the scene, which eschews sentimentality in favour of an honest yet painterly account of the city's hustle and flow. By focusing on the movement of people and the powerful geometric 'blocks' that frame the gardens, the work solidifies his reputation as an heir to the great Lancashire painters, finding beauty and drama in the heart of urban life. It is a striking portrayal that invites the viewer to appreciate the complex energy and unique spirit of this quintessential Northern space.
Discover more by the artist
Presentation
Michael John Ashcroft ROI MAFA is a celebrated contemporary painter rooted in the great tradition of Lancashire painters. His evocative cityscapes and serene landscapes, rendered predominantly in oil, are grounded in a profound fascination with the interplay of light and shadow, a vision forged after a life-altering health event. Once a professional engineer, Ashcroft's life took an unexpected turn at age 28. Following a major operation for a brain tumour, a single, poignant moment—seeing his reflection with half his face in sunlight and the other in shade—was the catalyst for a renewed purpose, leading him to pursue painting with unwavering dedication.
This authentic origin story is the foundation of his practice. His technical skill and artistic vision have since earned him a place among the most respected art institutions in the UK. A member of the elite Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, Ashcroft's work has been exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists and the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London. He was also a finalist on the BBC Two art programme , where he was selected to exhibit at the Mall Galleries from a field of over three thousand artists.
Acclaimed art critic David Lee, referencing this profound authenticity, hailed him as "a worthy heir of those in the great tradition of Lancashire painters." With a consistent record of sales on both the primary and secondary markets, Ashcroft's paintings are in demand with collectors worldwide.
Painters
British artists
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