Artist using 'rain to make something beautiful'

Matt Lightfoot says York's reputation for flooding inspired the work

A photographer who turns rain-slicked streets into artwork is displaying his pictures for one month to raise money for two charities.

Matt Lightfoot - who spent some time living on the streets of York - specialises in taking photographs of landmarks reflected through puddles.

The exhibition will be on display at York City Screen, with a percentage of profits going to homeless charity Restore York and community music and arts group Tang Hall SMART.

Mr Lightfoot said the project was about capturing the positives in “a miserable rainy day”.

His images include landmarks such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster

“In York, we’re particularly concerned with water in that we flood every single year,” he said.

“So it’s turning it around – making this commodity that’s available everywhere, all this water, and turning it into a positive thing.

"Rather than it being a miserable rainy day you can actually use the rain to make something positive and beautiful.”

Mr Lightfoot said his experiences being homeless inspired the work.

“When you’re in that state of mind and you’re cold and wet, and you’re looking down a wet road and something’s sparkling in the reflection of York Minster coming up through a puddle, it is definitely enticing and catches your eye.

"Particularly at 03:00 when you’re tired and a little wavey from sleeping rough.”

The exhibition runs from 15 September to 12 October with prints available to purchase online or from Fabrication Crafts.

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