Made in England with Michael J Browne

Michael J Browne's advice

Michael J Browne

Renowned Manchester artist Michael J Browne took up a new challenge - to produce a painting that captures an image of contemporary England far removed from anything he has ever created before.

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From Manchester to Cumbria

Some of Michael's previous paintings have caused controversy - he ruffled feathers eight years ago by depicting Eric Cantona, then enjoying legendary status at Old Trafford, as Christ.

Brought up in Moss Side, his imagery is usually based on his experience of the familiar but for Made in England he left the city for the Lake District in search of inspiration for his new creation.

Michael explored the numerous Lake District locations that inspired another Englishman two centuries ago - William Wordsworth.

But Michael's inquisitive and insightful approach to discovering this corner of his own country unearthed more than just daffodils amongst the many themed hotels, cafes, restaurants and gift shops to which William Wordsworth has latterly lent his name.

The discovery that the use of opium was commonplace amongst Wordsworth and his contemporaries shocked Michael and encouraged him to raise questions about social values connected with Englishness.

A further realisation in Grasmere that even the most English traditions aren't necessarily what they seem inspired him to think further about the notion of Englishness in today's multicultural society.

Would his painting reflect Wordsworth's 19th century romanticism, or the realities of both urban and rural England in 2008?

Michael said: "I was obviously inspired by Wordsworth and the landscapes he wrote about but after suspecting that some of the secret ingredients for the traditional 'English' gingerbread made in Grasmere came from the West Indies, it seemed natural to combine that culture with the culture of the countryside as well as with the city.

"I wanted to examine what we perceive as Englishness and the reality of what this actually means in today’s multicultural society. The result features the lady from the Gingerbread shop with a friend who runs Manchester School of Samba. She represents our perception of Englishness while he is a symbol of multiculturalism. He is offering his spices but would like her daffodil (flower) in return!"

To see Michael's finished piece of art, visit Manchester City Art Gallery where it will be on display until May 13. You can also catch the programme again at the gallery during this time.

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