Pebble towers remembered in UK artist’s fundraising work for Mind
A UK ARTIST has donated a reminder of the pebble towers which covered the coast during lockdown to raise money for mental health charity Guernsey Mind.
Hope and Unity, painted by John Challenor, will be auctioned by The Coach House Gallery in less than two weeks’ time.
Mr Challenor, who first visited Guernsey in the 1960s, and now tries to visit once or twice a year for his holidays, painted the piece using a photo by Guernsey photographer Chris George for reference.
‘This picture is my way of acknowledging and remembering the pebble towers built by the wonderful people of Guernsey, a symbol of how they united to face the difficulties of Covid-19,’ said Mr Challenor.
‘My pebbles are painted in the colours of the rainbow, rainbows being used to spread a bit of cheer during lockdown and/or, as we did in the UK, to show support for all the health and care workers’ selfless work.
‘Given the subject of the picture I felt it would be more appropriate if I donated the picture to a Guernsey charity and I am delighted to be able to help Guernsey Mind with their work promoting positive mental health and raising awareness of mental wellbeing.
‘Guernsey people have always been good to us, helping Guernsey Mind is a great way of giving something back.’
The work is on show at the gallery in St Peter’s, with the auction due to end on 7 November. To get the ball rolling, and raise as much money as possible, bidding has started at £50.
Guernsey Mind general manager Jo Cottell is hoping they will see plenty of bids coming in.
‘We are really grateful to John for his generous offer to auction his painting to help support our work,’ she said.
‘The title of the piece, Hope and Unity, has a real resonance for mental health and wellbeing – hope is such an important part of recovery, and reaching out to others for support can be so helpful.
‘We also love the Guernsey Together theme depicted by the pebble tower – connection is something that has been so important to us all over these last few difficult months.’
All the proceeds from the auction are due to go towards a new 16-25 young people’s service known as Morgan is Me, which the charity will be launching in early 2021.
Making a bid
To place a bid go to the desk at The Coach House Gallery or call 265339.
It is open 11am-5pm Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays.
Mounted, unframed prints of the picture can also be obtained via the gallery, priced at £30, with all the proceeds going to Guernsey Mind.
