Cartoonists join Stars on Canvas Fund Raiser

By John Freeman on November 27, 2008

The Willow Foundation, the only British charity of its kind providing special days for 16 to 40 year olds with life-threatening conditionshas teamed up with respected British artist Julie-Anne Gilburt to hold Stars on Canvas, a colourful and imaginative art exhibition guaranteed to inspire debate and festive fun this Christmas.

290 small canvases have been drawn by well-known names from the worlds of sport, design, art, music and entertainment including contributions from politicians, sports people and cartoonists such as Neil Bennett (above), Stan McMurtry and Andy Davey, along with artists such as Dan Baldwin, Rosie Birtwhistle and Peter Blake, and actors such as Steve Coogan, Catherine Tate, John Hurt and many others.

Also included are contributions from Dennis the Menace and Basil Brush and David McKee‘s Mister Ben canvas is sure to sell for a tidy sum.

Some demonstrate the individual’s artistic flair, others their personality or alter ego and the remaining a mix of interests, ideas or lateral thinking.

All the canvases are being auctioned online now and runs until 6th December. You can browse all the canvases (in alphabetical order) or see a summary of the canvases on the Willow Foundation web site.

• A public exhibition of all the canvases is being held at London’s SW1 Gallery from December 2 to 6. There will be a preview event on 3rd December. To purchase tickets please contact the fundraising team by email or on 01707 259777.

Former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper and TV presenter Bob Wilson and his wife Megs founded the Willow Foundation in 1999 in memory of their daughter, Anna who died of cancer aged 31. The charity’s name, Willow, stems from Anna’s nickname and its aim is to replicate the positive impact special days had on both Anna and her family during her treatment.

• More information at: www.willowfoundation.org.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.