Les Ryder spent most of his adult life living on the streets. He was an instantly recognizable figure, with a distinctive gait and a characteristic way of holding his head tilted to one side. He was known by the nickname 'Cider Ryder',

Ryder features in a number of Lenkiewicz paintings, including several from Project 1.

When Lenkiewicz received an honorary doctorate from theUniversity of Plymouth he invited Ryder as a guest of honour. Ryder was also the guest of honour on the opening evening of the Lenkiewicz Retrospective at the City Art Gallery in 1997, arriving in a limousine.

Ryder spent the last 15 years of his life at Kings House Care Centre in Plymouth. He died on 1 June 2004 at the age of 75. 

Quotes from Les Ryder:

• “Derbyshire born, Derbyshire bred. Strong in the arm, weak in the head.

• “Always keep the creases in your trousers. Don’t shit ’em or that’ll have the creases out!”