Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Parkinson's Society Talks

In front of the lead image in the powerpoint presentation, with Parkinson's UK Luton branch secretary, Michelle Haddrell, March 12th, 2010

I also drove north to Darlington last week, to give one of my regular Mervyn Peake: The Man & His Art talks, to members of the local Parkinson's Society. Again I was given a warm welcome beforehand, and I met several charming people. Although reminded of my father's condition towards the end of his life, I found myself touched by the resilience everyone displayed. The partners of those suffering from this as yet incurable disease also showed a dedication and consideration for those less fortunate than themselves, while expressing via their questions, a fascination with my father's art.

Rosie Guille, an artist on Sark

Rosie Guille, a Sark resident with her own gallery, trained as an artist at the Royal College of Art and has produced some fine work of her home territory. The wide bays, cliffs, and rugged terrain of the tiny island are brought to life by her soft focus water colours, luring the observer into the secrets of this jewel of a place.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Parkinson's Talks

Following the continuing success of the annual Mervyn Peake Awards; an art, poetry and photography competition open to anyone with Parkinson's, I suggested to the events department of the charity that branches might like The Life & Work of Mervyn Peake, an hour-long talk on my father's art. Over forty branch secretaries responded to the offer, and as a result I will be speaking in halls, clubs, even a convent, over the next six months.