Cross Gates-based designer and illustrator Darren Scotland has built an illustrated collection of independent businesses and places around his corner of East Leeds.
What began as individual drawings of local favourites has now grown into a collection of 12, including The Assembly, Dee’s Barbers, The Plant Collection, The Style Council, HIT Coffee, Arts & Flowers, Oceans, Spectacular Eyewear, OUT-OUT, Head Office, Pintxos and W Uttley.
Each has been individually illustrated by Darren through Ace of Place, the illustration studio he runs from his home in Cross Gates.
I’ve been drawing these places one at a time, without really thinking of them as a collection,” said Darren.
“It was only when I put all 12 together that I realised I’d created this little snapshot of Cross Gates.
“Some are places I’ve loved myself, some have been suggested by local people, and one has sadly disappeared since I drew them. I think that’s made me appreciate the collection even more.
Darren’s work focuses on drawing places that hold meaning for the people connected to them, from family homes and independent shops to cafés, bars and other local landmarks.
The Cross Gates drawings have largely been created as a personal project alongside his commissioned work, with portraits gifted to the independent businesses featured.
I love drawing people’s homes, but I’ve always been interested in the other places that become part of our lives too,” Darren said.
“Independent businesses are a huge part of that. They’re the places we walk past every day, meet people, buy things, eat, drink and gradually build memories around without necessarily thinking about it.
Having reached 12 portraits, Darren is now exploring whether the complete collection could be brought together for a small exhibition in Cross Gates.
I’d love to see them all together somewhere locally rather than have them exist only individually or online.
“Cross Gates has the Centre right in the middle of the community, so I’m starting to explore whether there might be an opportunity to do something there, or somewhere else locally.
“There’s nothing arranged yet — it’s just an idea I’d really like to make happen.
And the collection may not stop at 12.
There are definitely still places missing,” Darren added.
“I’d love to know which Cross Gates business people think should be number 13.
