Britain's most dangerous prisoner Charles Bronson 'wants to teach art to kids' after release

In an exclusive interview, Charles Bronson says he is hoping to be released from custody before he reaches 70.
Charles Bronson speaks to the Yorkshire PostCharles Bronson speaks to the Yorkshire Post
Charles Bronson speaks to the Yorkshire Post

Cleared by the jury at Leeds Crown Court six months ago, Bronson says he is enjoying a new lease of life at HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes.

Now he’s planning to “smash his way” into the art world.

Charles Bronson speaks to the Yorkshire PostCharles Bronson speaks to the Yorkshire Post
Charles Bronson speaks to the Yorkshire Post
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Bronson - now known as Charles Salvador in honour of his favourite surrealist artist Salvador Dali - says a conviction would have been ‘the last screw in his coffin’.

His focus is now on persuading the Parole Board that he is finally safe to be released back into the community before he is 70-years-old.

'I want to go round schools and get kids involved in art'

Charles BronsonCharles Bronson
Charles Bronson

Bronson is a self-taught artist. He is prolific in his output.

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Most days in solitary confinement are taken up with creating pieces using basic materials which he sends to friends, family and his loyal army of supporters.

Bronson believes art has helped him become a better person.

An exhibition of his work was held in London in March after the lifer struck up an unlikely friendship with international art curator Lisa Gray.

He said: “There’s only one thing I’m going to do out there, mate.

“I’m going to get stuck in and I’m going to smash my way into the art world.

“I’m a born again artist. I love my art.

“I’ve always been a destructive person all my life.

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“But since I’ve found art, I’m now creative. Positive. Focused.

“And I can’t wait to get out there and start creating - masterpieces. On canvas with oils.

“And I would like to go around the schools and get the kids involved in art.

“If possible visit a few YP jails (Young Offender Institutions) and get the youngsters involved in art. Get them off the streets.

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“Get them in to the art classes. Get them into gyms. Boxing. Football. Weightlifting.

“Everyone is born with a gift and it took me over half a century to find my gift.

“And now I’ve found it, I’m going to use it and hopefully help a lot of people along the way.”

A one time armed robber, 95 per cent of his crimes have been committed while in custody.

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Bronson has spent almost half a century locked up in the country’s most notorious prisons and asylums.

He has spent 45 years as a Category A prisoner for hostage taking and repeated attacks on inmates and guards.

But now aged 66, Bronson says his days of railing against the system are finally over.