Blake’s donated work is a big draw at studio
Distinctive and instantly recognisable, Sir Quentin Blake’s drawings have given some of the most beloved characters in children’s literature memorable identities.
His work is synonymous with the books of Roald Dahl and he has also illustrated children’s books for David Walliams and Dr Seuss, as well as those he has written himself.
And now he has donated a one-off piece of work to support a much-loved Calderdale community arts organisation to help it continue on its mental health and well-being mission.
The Artworks, based in Halifax, is a teaching space, artist studio and gallery. Its director, John Ross, was one of Sir Quentin’s students.
Entitled The Collector, the piece Sir Quentin has donated depicts a man striding downhill with his dogs and an overflowing knapsack.
Sir Quentin, who joined Artworks as a patron in 2017, said: “I draw almost every day of the year and really appreciate the profound effect that it can have on mental health and general well-being, particularly during periods of strife.
“Artworks aims to connect as many people as possible with the healing powers of art and inspire the next generation of artists. It’s a privilege to be associated with such an inspiring institution and I’m delighted that I’m able to support the organisation to continue its important work during these challenging times.”
Artworks has the ethos of being open to all, and championing the value of art and creativity in everyday life. It runs a programme of creative activity designed to connect people with art in its various forms, including free and subsidised workshops for people with experience of mental ill-health and those on low incomes.
Mr Ross said the donation would go a long way in supporting the Halifax-based arts project continue to be accessible to all, irrespective of financial circumstances, during a challenging year.
He said: “Like so many organisations in our sector, 2020 has been a very difficult year for our school for all the obvious reasons and our future is looking far from secure.
“A massive thank you then to Quentin for donating to Artworks this important drawing which will hopefully enable us to raise critical funding in this desperate time.”
Twenty-five signed prints of The Collector are on sale on the Artworks website.
For more information see: www.theartworks.org.uk/ thecollector.