“3 Generations” exhibition, featuring art by the family of comic creator David Leach, announced

By John Freeman on June 26, 2023

*Artists Annie Leach, David Leach and Lydia Manley-Leach*

The Ealing Project – a multi-functional community space on the ground floor of Ealing Broadway centre – is to host 3 Generations, an exhibition of art that includes the work of comic creator and editor David Leach.

The art exhibition features the work of David’s mother, Annie Leach, his daughter Lydia Manley-Leach and David himself, and all three artists will be taking part in a live event at the Project on Saturday 15th July.

Annie Leach NDD SFP is an artist who has had an interest in botanical painting from an early age, studied at Ealing School of Art. Now retired after a career in the fashion industry and as a teacher, she has refocused on her first love, botanical art, which has regularly been exhibited for some years.

“I rarely leave home without my camera or sketchpad, inspiration is everywhere, from the smallest front garden to the most beautiful stately home,” she says. “Wisley, Kew Gardens, Hatfield House Waterperry House are all very accessible and amongst my favourite places. I have also spent many happy hours drawing and photographing exotic plants and flowers during extended stays in Barbados.”

You probably best know David Leach as creator of the brilliant Psycho Gran, a character who first appeared in Oink! and, since then, her own comics down the years, and in volumes of David Lloyd’s digital anthology, Aces Weekly. By day an editor at Titan Comics, his recent creator owned projects include MONOLITH, a collection of some of the movies that the Monolith from Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey auditioned for – but didn’t get!

David’s career as a cartoonist, writer and editor spans over 35 years, when at the age of 23 he started working as British animator, Bob Godfrey’s ‘ghost artist’ drawing “Henry’s Cat” comic strips. He created his most popular character, Psycho Gran, in 1987 for the much-loved kids’ comic, Oink. He also worked for Whizzer & Chips, Gas, Brain Damage, UT, Casper, Action Man, and LEGO Adventures.

The work of textile and graphic artist Lydia Manley-Leach ranges from drawing to mixed media textile and digital design. Her work has explored the historical aspects and symbolism of folklore through vibrant, colourful textiles. Illustration, digital design, embroidery and needle punch were used to throughout the process.

3 Generations Exhibition Poster - Annie Leach, Lydia Manley-Leach and David Leach

Lydia’s aim is to “bring to life folklore tales and introduce these into contemporary design, making us appreciate the meanings as well as how these ancient stories have shaped the culture we live in today.”

The Ealing Project is a new multi-functional community space for the Borough of Ealing and beyond. Situated beneath Ealing Broadway, the venue features a three-screen cinema, a café, a bar, community room, a stage for live music performance and space to exhibit art by local artists.

Its aim is to be a place for the local community to be inspired by watching films, attending events and actively taking part in the venue’s cultural programme, by bringing their own ideas and creativity to the table.

• 3 Generations 2nd – 30th July 2023 Ealing Broadway, London W5 5JY | Web: ealingproject.co.uk

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.