Cafe exhibition for art talent Bradley
AN artistic teenager with a complex learning disability and dyslexia has held his first exhibition.
Bradley Davies, 16, has an undiagnosed genetic condition which severely affects his memory and ability to communicate and learn.
He also has a bone disease which often makes movement or sitting very painful.
Despite these complex problems, Bradley is a talented artist and animator.
Bradley, of Broomfield Close, Chelford, appeared in the Express in 2014 after he wowed his teachers at Park Lane Special School by achieving a grade D in GCSE art.
Now Bradley has taken his creative confidence to the next level and had his first art exhibition.
A selection of his work has been on display at Rustic Coffee Co on Church Mews for the last two weeks.
The exhibition, a joint venture with fellow artist Dan White, is due to stay on show until later this month.
It was set up by Bradley’s proud mum Siobhan with support from dad Rob.
She said: “The exhibition has been brilliant and a massive boost to Bradley’s confidence.
“A lot of doors close when you mention the word disability. But Charlie and Adam at Rustic have been amazingly supportive.”
“Bradley is a one-off. He has no working memory, which makes life very difficult and confusing for him.
“He struggles to communicate and form sentences. He cannot read or write. But he has pockets of amazing ability, particularly in art. His art is unique and original.”
It wasn’t until Bradley was seven months old that his parents began to be concerned by his development. At the same time Bradley was diagnosed with kidney disease and needed major corrective surgery.
After 17 years of being tested by neurologists and geneticists, the experts are still unable to pinpoint Bradley’s condition, classifying him as SWAN (Syndrome Without A Name).
Although Bradley struggles to write his own name, he has always shown a talent with drawing and is rarely seen without a pencil or paintbrush.
He is also very capable with computers and a keen animator with dozens of videos on his own YouTube account.
Bradley said: “I’m thrilled to have my art on show. I am now aiming to get my own comic running.”
To see more of his art search ‘Bradleys brilliant art’ on Facebook.