Vic maps out new show at Royal Berks Hospital
jclothier@wokingham.today
A new collection of pieces by Wokingham artist Vic Delaney has just gone on show at Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The collection now being exhibited at the radiology department, with 25% of proceeds going to RBH.
Ms Delaney said that she’s been working with her seven-yearold son to create some of the pieces.
“He got into art over the pandemic, so I thought it would help to build his confidence to work with him,” she explained.
“He saw some of Bridget Riley’s work, which really seemed to inspire him.”
Riley’s influence on the collection is clear, with two of the five pieces focusing on bold, colourful patterns.
Ms Delaney has also handillustrated a map of Reading, a development of a similar print she created of Wokingham.
During the first lockdown, she created the map of Wokingham as a gift for the parents of a friend who were moving away.
“They wanted something personal, so I illustrated a map of places they’d recognise and remember.”
“So for the hospital, it seemed
appropriate to try a map of Reading.”
Ms Delany said that the Wokingham map proved popular after it was seen, so she produced further prints.
Proceeds from the Wokingham prints raised more than £200 for Walter Infant School and Nursery.
“I like art for myself,” she said, “but especially if there’s also another purpose, if it can help.”
The collection also includes two block prints.
One features a drawing by her son, and the other is a striking print of the Forbury Lion, both in red.
Ms Delaney currently teaches, but admits that even working part time it’s hard to make time for her artwork, with some pieces take more than 30 hours to complete.
“Even working three days a week, it’s very hard, so I’m hoping to be able to support myself fully with my artwork.”
She hopes to leave teaching soon to commit fully to her craft, saying that she was excited.
“It’s all up in the air at the moment, but I think it’s a sign that I should see where it takes me.
“It feels like the beginning of something.”
The collection will be displayed at Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Radiology department until Sunday, April 24.