How this former Preston policeman has got all arty from his Fulwood back garden

Painter David Wiles with his custom-built art studio Pic: Mandy Jones

Patrolling the streets has been swapped for picking up paintbrushes by this retired police officer.

David Wiles spent nearly 30 years as a policeman with Lancashire Constabulary but is now branching out.

61-year-old David has launched an art studio and painting business from his back garden in Fulwood.

More than 20 years ago he discovered his love of painting as he found it a good way to relax.

The Painting Policeman has now gone from a hobby to become a full-time business.

David said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have something you can go home to, away from the humdrum of work. Painting was an outlet for me and I’ve maintained it ever since.

“You get so engrossed in what you’re doing it takes your mind off to somewhere else. It’s therapeutic, it’s easy to forget you’re actually painting and when that happens to your students then you’re doing your job.

“When I was at school, I enjoyed art, but like most people I was nothing exceptional. I’m not really exceptional now. When I left school, life got in the way, which happens to most of us! But as the kids grow up and leave home, you retire, you find yourself with a little more time on your hands and so I found my way back into art. Now I can’t get enough of it and am fortunate enough to be able to pass on what I have learnt to others.”

Teaming up with Rubicon Garden Rooms the retired Bobby decided not to shell out on a studio space but to work from home.

In his back garden he can accomodate four to five students at a time.

David said: “I was trying to find venues for a reasonable price which was difficult.

“I thought to myself, why don’t I put something up here in my garden where people can come to me and then I’d only have to provide the materials, with no added cost for venues.

“My wife Jackie did the research and had me traipsing all over the North West! I was on the verge of going ahead with something else when she discovered Rubicon. The key difference with Rubicon was the fact it wasn’t cedar but composite and as a result you don’t have to maintain it.”

David in his back garden studio Pic: Mandy Jones

Managing director of Rubicon Garden Rooms John Lyon said: We are delighted to have been able to help David provide a warm, spacious venue to run his business from.

“It’s a wonderful project to be involved in and we’re looking forward to seeing more artwork from David and his students for years to come.”