Leigh was born and raised in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where he resided for the first twenty years of his life. Lambert began to draw as soon as he could hold a pencil, with his family quickly recognising his artistic flair. As he progressed through school his exceptionally detailed creations captured the attentions of his teachers, who admired his canny knack for capturing a view. However, the artist describes himself as mostly self taught, having received no formal art qualifications or training.