An Oldham artist who is famous for his figurative work is publishing his first book with inspiration from Saddleworth Moor.

Mark Demsteader grew up in Uppermill and became one of the UKs most renowned figurative artists, rising to his international recognition with ‘Emma’ – a sell-out exhibition featuring portraits of the Hollywood star Emma Watson and featured in Vogue, rarely shows outside of London.

Now, Demsteader’s work, which has been acquired by famous faces including Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been captured in his 180-page book to be launched at the Manchester Art Fair this November 15-17.

It documents his unconventional journey, from butcher at his father’s family’s butchery at Manchester Meat Market to bestselling figurative artist, providing a rare glimpse into his work and personal life. 

The book, entitled 'Moorland' was produced by Cheshire Art Gallery, who represent Demsteader in the North, and written by former Principal of Oldham Sixth Form College, Nick Brown OBE FRSA. 

Moorland includes in-depth interviews with the 61-year-old artist, alongside an exquisite collection of photographs. 

Demsteader still lives in Uppermill and it is his hometown, that inspired the title of the book, with Saddleworth Moor providing the artist with the space and stillness that he so cherishes.  “You feel like you’re in a different universe up there, everything stands still,” says Demsteader.

Moorland will be unveiled by Demsteader at the exclusive preview evening of Manchester Art Fair on November 15 ahead of an exclusive talk at the acclaimed fair on Saturday November 16 (2.15pm). 

The talk will see Demsteader provide a first-hand insight into his rise as an artist and how those early years working as a butcher taught him more about the structure of sinew, bone and flesh, albeit livestock not human, than any subsequent life drawing class.

Speaking ahead of the launch of Moorland at Manchester Art Fair, Demsteader said;  “I`m very happy to be exhibiting at this year’s Manchester Art Fair and to have the opportunity to unveil my first book, Moorlands, at the event.

"The book was put together in collaboration with Nick Brown OBE FRSA and Cheshire Art Gallery whose hard work made it possible.”

Ella Pemberton of Cheshire Art Gallery added on the launch: “We’re looking forward to bringing Mark’s work to Manchester Art Fair.

"Not many paintings stop people in their tracks, but Mark’s work really does, it’s an absolute honour to be able to show his paintings and see the response that they provoke.

“Despite being so admired and studied by so many students, Mark has always shied away from the limelight, with very little written on him.

"This is until now.  Moorland is the only real resource on Mark, in which he talks explicitly about his life, works, and technique.

"It’s the book that collectors, students and admirers of his work have been waiting for."

Director of Manchester Art Fair, Sophie Helm, concluded; “Mark is one of the most respected figurative painters working in Britain today. 

"His powerful depictions of the human form have sparked a renaissance of interest in traditional life drawing amongst the art collecting fraternity. 

"We’re incredibly proud to provide him with a platform to unveil his inaugural book, Moorland, here in his home city of Manchester, and to provide visitors of Manchester Art Fair with a rare glimpse into his journey to becoming a bestselling artist."