Read our short interview with Leas Lift Hero, and illustrator, Tom Bradshaw.
Tell us who you are and what you do for a living.
Hi, my name is Tom Bradshaw. I’m an illustrator and scribe artist.
You moved to Folkestone not too long ago, if I remember correctly. What do you love most about living here?
I moved to Folkestone in 2016 for a job and have been here ever since. I absolutely love it. Originally from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, it was quite a big move, but I quickly found an incredible community. Being by the sea is amazing, and the town’s creative energy is inspiring. Folkestone has given me so much—from meeting wonderful people to walking my dogs on the Downs and the Warren. I even met my wife here! Setting up the Sunday League team, Radnor Park Rovers FC, has also been a big part of my journey.
What does it mean to you to be involved in the Leas Lift project?
The Leas Lift was one of the first places I visited when I arrived in Folkestone, and it became an important part of my story here. I had never been on a funicular before, so experiencing it was fascinating—it really made me think about what life was like during its heyday. The lift is a significant part of Folkestone’s heritage, and it deserves to be preserved and celebrated. The improvements, including the new community space, will be a fantastic addition to the town. Personally, I’m also looking forward to hopping on the lift instead of trekking up the zig-zag path when my legs need a break!
What is your vision for the lift once it reopens?
I hope it becomes a must-visit attraction for Folkestone—a true landmark that showcases its rich history and industrial heritage. It’s a brilliant example of British design, and integrating a strong community element will make it even more special.
How can the lift support local artists like yourself?
The opportunity to showcase local art within the space is fantastic. Having a dedicated community area to create, collaborate, and inspire others will be a huge asset to the town. And what better backdrop for sharing artwork than such an iconic location?
What projects do you have lined up next?
I have some live scribing jobs coming up, and you can check out my work at scribeyak.com. I’m incredibly lucky to work for myself and travel the world, capturing events and conversations in an illustrative format. But honestly, nothing has been quite as exciting as this project! Being able to contribute to something in the town I now call home has been an absolute honour.
