The vigorous brush work in Mann’s depiction of a female torso is true to his British Expressionist roots. His observation of light and form is all the more remarkable given that since the age of 36 he has suffered from deteriorating eyesight. After developing cataracts in both eyes he is now completely blind. The ‘blind painter of Peckham’, as he has been dubbed, originally qualified as a mechanical engineer before studying at Camberwell School of Art, where he also established a long teaching career. He was also among the teaching staff at Camden Arts Centre. As a young artist Mann was tutored by Frank Auerbach and Euan Uglow, who insisted the artist must be true to what he saw. Today Mann’s deep understanding of his intense relationship with colour and form allows him to draw on a more sensory visual experience and his work is widely acclaimed.