A long time London resident and graduate of the Royal College of Art, David has an instinctive connection to the city – and its skylines are one of his favourite subjects. The St. Pancras pen-painting is not only the first artwork to capture the recently renovated landmark, it’s one of the most moving expressions of this beloved building within its setting.
David, who is represented by art business GoFigurative.com, was commissioned to create the image for the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball in aid of The National Autistic Society, which will be held at the newly opened St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. David, through his own understanding of Asperger syndrome, was particularly inspired to work in support of the NAS. Choosing to create the image in a very particular medium, David was sponsored for this piece by leading stationery supplier BIC and the drawing is mainly rendered using the BiC® Cristal® (which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year) to magnificent effect.
The historic, red-brick building was originally designed and built by foremost Victorian architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott, opening as the Midland Grand Hotel in 1873. Its Victorian Gothic splendours have recently been revived with a £200 million pound restoration with the building now comprising 67 private, residential apartments on the upper floors of the building and a luxurious new 245 bedroom hotel, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, on the lower floors. The opening of the hotel also marks the completion of the regeneration of St Pancras International Station, now the home of Eurostar.
David was delighted by the commission and the process for several reasons: “As an artist with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism, I have been involved with The National Autistic Society for many years and when they commissioned me to draw the St. Pancras Renaissance for the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball, I was inspired and excited, as having the resources available to draw this magnificent building has long been a dream of mine.
“Seeing my drawing develop has been very fulfilling, and by using a BiC® Cristal®, I am able to create the effect I want to achieve. I have been using BIC pens for a long time in my drawings, and so I am very proud BIC has been generous enough to sponsor this piece. Working in ball point pen is challenging as it can’t be erased, but also good fun as they help to create a continuous flow when drawing.”
The picture, which is 100cm x 145cm and framed with UV glass to prevent light damage, will be unveiled during a private reception for the artist on July 7th at international law firm Wragge & Co’s London office (Waterhouse Square, Holborn), and then auctioned at The Anderson Foundation Summer Ball at The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel on 9th July in aid of The National Autistic Society. Founder of The Anderson Foundation, Mark Anderson is positive that the drawing will generate significant interest and will increase the number of bidders by opening it up to a wider market via an online preview. Bids can be made via the web site up to 5pm on the 8th July, and will be carried over to the live auction taking place the following evening: http://auction.andersonfoundation.co.uk
Delighted, once again to be raising much needed funds for the National Autistic Society in 2011, Mark Anderson said: "This is the third fundraiser that the Anderson Foundation has hosted on behalf of the National Autistic Society and we are thrilled that David has given his time and expertise to produce this outstanding piece of art for us to auction. The dedication and enthusiasm of the entire team at the NAS is clearly apparent and we know that every penny of the funds raised will be put to good use by the charity."
The artwork will be available to view by the interested public, by appointment only, from June 17th to July 8th, during office hours at, 1 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7DQ.
Contact David Downes’ agent: sallyperry@gofigurative.com. 0207 956 2819
Sally Perry of www.GoFigurative.com, a unique art business working with technically skilled artists – with particular focus on portraits and landscapes – is delighted to be involved with the project and to see David begin to gain some much deserved recognition: “I met David only recently and leapt at the chance to represent him.
The picture, which is 100cm x 145cm and framed with UV glass to prevent light damage, will be unveiled during a private reception for the artist on July 7th at international law firm Wragge & Co’s London office (Waterhouse Square, Holborn), and then auctioned at The Anderson Foundation Summer Ball at The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel on 9th July in aid of The National Autistic Society. Founder of The Anderson Foundation, Mark Anderson is positive that the drawing will generate significant interest and will increase the number of bidders by opening it up to a wider market via an online preview. Bids can be made via the web site up to 5pm on the 8th July, and will be carried over to the live auction taking place the following evening: http://auction.andersonfoundation.co.uk
Delighted, once again to be raising much needed funds for the National Autistic Society in 2011, Mark Anderson said: "This is the third fundraiser that the Anderson Foundation has hosted on behalf of the National Autistic Society and we are thrilled that David has given his time and expertise to produce this outstanding piece of art for us to auction. The dedication and enthusiasm of the entire team at the NAS is clearly apparent and we know that every penny of the funds raised will be put to good use by the charity."
The artwork will be available to view by the interested public, by appointment only, from June 17th to July 8th, during office hours at, 1 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7DQ.
Contact David Downes’ agent: sallyperry@gofigurative.com. 0207 956 2819
Sally Perry of www.GoFigurative.com, a unique art business working with technically skilled artists – with particular focus on portraits and landscapes – is delighted to be involved with the project and to see David begin to gain some much deserved recognition: “I met David only recently and leapt at the chance to represent him.
“His work and his intellect are an inspiration to everyone, especially to those whose lives are affected by autism. David wants everyone to recognise the invaluable service that The National Autistic Society provides and humbly presents his painting of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel to be auctioned at the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball to raise money for the charity.”
Mark Lever, CEO of the National Autistic Society said: "We are really proud to be the beneficiary of the Anderson Foundation and the money raised from the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball and the auction lots will be going towards providing vital support and services to the half a million people in the UK with autism. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability and without the right support it can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families. We are very grateful to David Downes for providing this outstanding piece of art for the auction lot. David's involvement with The NAS over the years has helped raise awareness and vital funds for the charity, and we are very excited to see his work of art in the auction this year.”
Yolande de Trogoff, BIC UK and Ireland - Marketing Manager said: “As charity partner of the NAS, and sponsor of this amazing piece, we are delighted to support David’s work. The BIC® Cristal® is an iconic pen which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and what better way to mark this landmark occasion than with an incredible piece of art – of one of London’s landmarks. We hope it will raise valuable funds for the National Autistic Society.”
Mark Lever, CEO of the National Autistic Society said: "We are really proud to be the beneficiary of the Anderson Foundation and the money raised from the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball and the auction lots will be going towards providing vital support and services to the half a million people in the UK with autism. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability and without the right support it can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families. We are very grateful to David Downes for providing this outstanding piece of art for the auction lot. David's involvement with The NAS over the years has helped raise awareness and vital funds for the charity, and we are very excited to see his work of art in the auction this year.”
Yolande de Trogoff, BIC UK and Ireland - Marketing Manager said: “As charity partner of the NAS, and sponsor of this amazing piece, we are delighted to support David’s work. The BIC® Cristal® is an iconic pen which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and what better way to mark this landmark occasion than with an incredible piece of art – of one of London’s landmarks. We hope it will raise valuable funds for the National Autistic Society.”
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