New book honours Bolton’s Burnden Park and lost grounds

The Man Who Paints Football is the debut publication of artist Paul Town and features more than 100 artworks of grounds past and present.

Among the stadiums featured is Bolton Wanderers’ former home, which has been immortalised in paintings inspired by Mr Town’s childhood fascination with the sport.

Paul Town said: “My love for football, and in particular my love for football grounds, began as a young child.

“The bus journey to my grandparents’ home would take me past the decaying ground of the then-defunct football club Bradford (Park Avenue), and I would hastily wipe the condensation from the bus window to get a clearer view of the wonderful floodlights rising above the rooftops of the local houses.

“As a child, I’d spend hours creating drawings that were all inspired by football grounds”.

The book, published by Heritage Unlocked, includes a foreword by sports commentator John Helm and explores stadiums across the UK and beyond, from Hampden Park and Highbury to Wembley and more.

Burnden Park holds a special place in Mr Town’s work.

He said: “The artwork of Burnden Park featured in the book shows John McGinlay en route to scoring a hat-trick in a famous 6-1 win for the Trotters over Spurs in the 1996/97 season – the club’s last season at the famous old ground steeped in history.”

Mr Town’s connection to football is deeply personal.

He was present at the Bradford City fire in 1985 that claimed 56 lives and led to major changes in stadium safety across the UK.

His work has been exhibited nationwide, including at Hampden Park in Scotland as part of his ‘Hampden Trilogy’ series, and is also on display at football grounds across the country.

Mr Town’s art has been reproduced in several books.

The Man Who Paints Football is priced at £19.99 and is available from bookshops, galleries, online retailers, and directly from the publisher at www.heritageunlocked.com/shop/themanwhopaintsfootball.