Percy Monkman: An Extraordinary Bradfordian

Percy Monkman was a bank clerk by day and an entertainer by night, achieving great success in his artistic activities. Born into a humble working-class family, he served in the First World War as a comedian and continued to entertain troops during the Second World War. He joined the Bradford Civic Playhouse in 1935 and developed his passion for watercolour painting. Retiring in 1952, he devoted all his time to painting, exhibiting widely and selling most of his works. He was also a talented cartoonist and built a large number of life-long friends. This biography, illustrated with over 90 images, is a unique record of social history, reflecting life in 20th-century Bradford.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2021
Publisher: Kirklands Publications

Percy Monkman, a remarkable individual born in 1892 and passing away in 1986, embarked on a remarkable career that spanned four decades. During the day, he dedicated himself to the same Bradford bank, eventually rising to the position of chief cashier. However, it was his unconventional nature that truly set him apart. By night, at weekends, and during holidays, Percy transformed into an entertainer, actor, artist, and cartoonist, whose work garnered widespread acclaim and held immense respect among his colleagues. Percy's creativity, talent, and boundless energy were evident in all his artistic endeavors. As the eldest of five boys, he hailed from a humble working-class family and attended school until he was nearly 14. After a brief foray into office jobs, at the age of 16, Percy passed a banking examination and began his career at Becketts Bank, which later merged with the Westminster Bank. Unexpectedly, the onset of the First World War presented Percy with a new opportunity for a fresh start. He seized it with both hands, spending much of the war as a comedian in an entertainment troupe that performed concert parties for soldiers stationed just behind the front lines. Upon returning to civilian life, Percy continued to excel in his entertainment career, achieving great success throughout the interwar years. In the Second World War, Percy once again found himself entertaining the troops, this time catering to groups of returning servicemen across Yorkshire. In 1935, Percy joined the Bradford Civic Playhouse, where he became a fixture in the cast for over 20 years. Here, in one of the finest amateur theatres in the country, he showcased his versatility by playing a wide range of roles, often in comedic parts. Alongside his acting and entertainment career, Percy pursued his third creative passion, watercolour painting. He seized every opportunity to indulge in his art, typically capturing the picturesque landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. When he retired from the bank in 1952, Percy was finally able to dedicate all his time and energy to his beloved passion, which he described as fervent, dedicated, and impulsive. Largely self-taught, Percy's artistic journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of perfection and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. His work, which encompassed a wide range of styles and subjects, continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day. Percy Monkman's life was a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and the ability to embrace unconventional paths. His legacy as an artist, entertainer, and humanitarian will forever be cherished and remembered.

Weight: 828g
Dimension: 209 x 260 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838342333