Beano painting set to raise hundreds for charity

By John Freeman on August 28, 2013

Photo: Gordon Tait

If you’re an art lover and like to support worthy causes, artist Gordon Tait has lovingly reproduced a stack of Beano panels onto one canvas. Funds raised from the sale of the painting via eBay will go to the Willow Foundation, which organises and funds special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds.

Bob Wilson and Gordon Tait with the paiting offered for auction. Photo: Sabrina Segalov

Founded by former Scotland and Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson and his wife Megs in memory of their daughter Anna, the Willow Foundation aims to offer quality of life and time to those most in need. Seriously ill is defined as any condition that is life-threatening. The aim of every special day is to provide time out from treatment allowing young adults to spend time with their family creating precious memories for the future.

The highest bid is currently nearly £700.

• Bidding closes on 1st September 2013. View the painting here

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.