South Manchester Artists "Escape"

South Manchester artists Jane Blease, from Didsbury, and Lee Page Hanson, from Chorlton, have been hand picked by executives from Manchester Airport to decorate the state of the art £1.7 million Executive Departure Lounge, ‘Escape’, in Terminal One.

“We wanted to use local artist’s for this new project” said Jane Barber (Head of Commercial Development at Manchester Airport), “and it gets better each time I look at it.”

Lee Page Hanson has created stunningly colourful and intricate bird tiles, which have been selling like hot cakes in the U.S, for the past few years. “They are a popular purchase for holiday makers seeking that last minute gift before returning home” says Lee, who makes and fires all his work from Studio 4 in The Manchester Craft & Design Centre, in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter.

Jane Blease, also based at the Craft & Design Centre, creates innovative and sustainable lighting and interior products. Sustainability is at the core of Jane’s ethos, and each piece is beautifully handcrafted from wood or recycled and reclaimed plastic. She strives to use her materials in both efficient and imaginative ways, for example the ‘Loopy’ pendant light that flat-packs, perfectly formed to fit neatly in the bottom of your suitcase.

In response to Manchester Airport’s brief Lee has produced three sets of 27 tiles, which now grace the wall of the café area of the ‘Escape’ lounge. Jane has created 22 framed wall pieces made from walnut and oak veneer, which have been intricately wood burnt and embroidered with stunning colourful threads.

Soon to be used by the Manchester United Football Team, both Lee and Jane hope the team will enjoy their new work, and may commission some for themselves.

Take a trip to The Manchester Craft and Design Centre to meet Jane and Lee in person or visit the Great Northern Contermporary Craft Fair 21st-24th Oct where Jane will be exhibiting her latest creations.