Artists at GRIT Studios in Manchester were stunned today when they were paid a visit by none other than a famous philosopher, poet, actor, musician, artist, who could play a bit of football too.
None other than the cultural king of Manchester – Eric Cantona
Eric flew in from Paris for a flying visit to catch up with GRIT resident and talented fine artist Michael Browne, as the two are scheming another collaborative project after spending a number of years working together on the renowned exhibition From Moss Side to Marseille – which was recently on display at The Football Museum.
Artists at GRIT Studios Manchester in the Great Northern Warehouse were cracking on with their artwork when the famous visitor arrived late morning.
Staying for over an hour, Eric took time to meet a number of our artists, and given a tour by GRIT Co-Founder John Macaulay. He was suitably impressed with their work, and was genuinely enthused at the sense of community within the local grassroots art scene.
John, a United fan who has seen United play in 25 countries, before setting up Art Battle MCR and GRIT Studios with his wife Sophie. “It’s full circle for me having watched Eric play all over the world, it’s true honour that he’s flown in to see our talented artists.
Artists spent time chatting with Eric, talking through their creative practise, including mosaic artist Francis Thorrington, plein air artist Sketch MCR (aka Ben Rock), painters Jodie Silverman, Helen Davies and Sophie Macaulay, and woodworker Gus Riddell.
Big United fan Francis said ’I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time’ after Cantona described his work as wonderful.
Musician Eric looked at home when he picked up and started strumming of Chris Pollin’s hand made guitars – handcrafted from specially selected wood with hundreds of hours of work.
His final message was that it was refreshing to see a place where ‘art was for everyone’ not just the elite.
Michael is sworn to secrecy in the project, but expects some big announcements in the coming weeks. Exciting times ahead.
If you want to follow in Eric’s footsteps by visiting the talented artists at GRIT Studios Manchester, they are hosting an Open Day on Saturday (2-6pm) – see attached poster.
