He returned to London in 1933.   During a spell on the dole in the Depression years, he continued drawing and painting water colours around the Little Venice canal in Maida Vale.

He met the Rev Oliver Fielding Clark, who admired his work and helped to set up a trust fund to enable Mann to study at the Royal Academy Schools.

He gained admission in 1935 on the strength of his water colours. After three years at the RA Schools, Mann continued his art education in Paris, still supported by his art patron, Erica Marx.