Sketching a City: How Lee’s Art Connects Cardiff’s Community

Lee never expected that quietly sketching in a coffee shop would lead to chatting with CEOs, having his artwork displayed in banks, cafés, and even historic sites across Cardiff. Over the last few years, his pencil drawings of familiar places — from Coffee#1 cafés and Principality Building Society branches to the Albion pub and Cardiff Museum — have become more than just buildings. They’re part of a growing patchwork of community, care, and connection.

“I used to sit in Coffee#1 with my folder, sketching whatever was in front of me,” Lee says. “The manager there — Ann‑Maria — spotted what I was doing and said, ‘Why don’t you draw this café?’ So I did. Now it was displayed on the wall.”

He’s drawn 14 Coffee#1 locations and 33 Principality Building Society branches — from the main head office and Principality Stadium to Cardiff’s central branch — and even as far afield as Aberystwyth.

“It’s all Welsh locations. I like to keep it local,” Lee explains.

A Return to Art Through Community

Lee’s return to drawing began unexpectedly at a mental health group in a Tesco back room. “They said, ‘Just draw whatever you want.’ And people started saying, ‘Lee, that’s really good.’ I hadn’t picked up a pencil in over 30 years. But I thought maybe I should start again.”

One of his first pieces was a TSB branch (the exact branch can be specified). A Principality branch manager soon noticed his work and requested he draw their building. That single drawing opened doors to more — and his artwork is now framed across Cardiff, quietly building his reputation. He even attended the Principality AGM, where he met Julie‑Ann Haines, the CEO at the time, who came to sit at his table. “That meant a lot,” Lee says.

Art That Belongs to Everyone — But Originals Stay Close

Lee keeps the original drawings — each taking around nine hours to complete — safely in his office.

“It’s hard work, so I like to keep the originals. They’re personal.”

Instead, he delivers high-quality copies to each location. At Central Cardiff Coffee#1, each staff member received a signed photocopy, while the main image hangs on the wall. For Principality’s head office, he’s signing 512 copies, each with a handwritten message: “Hope you achieve everything in life.”

A Quiet Practice With a Big Reach

Lee’s process is simple but precise: visit a location, take photos, then draw at home in pencil.

“Architecture is a big part of it. I love the shapes of buildings. But I also want to connect with the people inside — to be part of that place.”

He draws in three-hour bursts, and the effort pays off. In Whitchurch, his framed work hangs in both Coffee#1 and the Principality branch. “It’s nice when people recognise me. I’ve even had a few free coffees!” he smiles.

More Than Art — A Bridge Back to People

Lee’s drawings helped him reconnect with others and led him to volunteer for Ategi’s Support Circles, a group that brings people together to build friendships, share experiences, and provide mutual support for those facing social isolation or additional needs.

 “It gets me out of the house. I meet people. I’m doing life again. My art and my volunteering just mix naturally now,” he says.

Through Support Circles, Lee has been involved in projects with Transport for Wales, helping to give first-hand insight into the travel barriers people with additional needs face. During trips and discussions, participants shared practical challenges — from navigating stations to accessing extra support. Lee’s artistic talent caught the attention of the transport team, and he’s now in conversation about creating an A3-sized drawing of Pontypridd station for display.

Given that Ategi, is based in Pontypridd, having Lee’s artwork displayed at the station would be especially meaningful. The charity already proudly displays his work around its head office in Pontypridd, celebrating his contribution to both art and community.

What’s Next?

Lee’s eye is on upcoming projects like Buckingham Palace —

“I’d love to send a drawing to the King,” he jokes. 

Principality branches continue to display his work, and opportunities for exhibitions or local funding are being explored. Selling his work isn’t the goal. “I want people to see it, enjoy it. That’s enough.”

The Everyday, Made Special

At its heart, Lee’s project is about making the everyday meaningful and building community through art.

“I hope people see my drawings and feel something good. That they stop and think, ‘That’s my café,’ or ‘That’s my bank.’ It means something to them — and now it means something to me.”

Lee holding up one of his sketches.

“I hope people see my drawings and feel something good. That they stop and think, ‘That’s my café,’ or ‘That’s my bank.’ It means something to them — and now it means something to me.”

Lee's sketch of Ategi headquarters in Pontypridd.

Lee standing next to one of his sketches that has been put up at Ategi headquarters.

Lee working on one of his drawings.

Would you like to find out more about Support Circles?

Are you an adult with additional needs who would like support to get out into your community? Would you like to build confidence, learn new skills and make new friends?

Support Circles could be for you. You’ll be part of a small, friendly group where you plan trips together, share ideas and support one another, with guidance from an experienced Ategi team member. It’s a safe and welcoming space where your voice matters, helping you grow in confidence while enjoying new experiences together.

Find out more here