An artist renowned for his paintings of the north-east will auction off a dozen new paintings next month to raise vital funds for sick children.
The work of Howard Butterworth is a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, and the Queen Mother supported him throughout the years – even placing his work in her personal collection.
Earlier this year the 70-year-old, who has a gallery at Ballogie, revealed he was backing the ARCHIE Foundation by creating 12 paintings of 12 different landscapes to be auctioned off.
Next month, the pieces will go under the hammer to boost the charity’s plans to install at £50,000 digital gallery at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
The proposals are part of its major campaign to repair 10 decades of wear and tear at the Foresterhill site, and with Mr Butterworth committing around 35% of the proceeds from the auction to the project, the charity’s dreams could soon become a reality.
The innovative installation of a dozen digital picture frames will allow for some of the hospital’s longer-term patients to host their own art shows, and give younger patients the chance to see their own work on display.
Mr Butterworth visited the children at the hospital last week to show them the tricks of his trade by painting one of his favourite subjects, poppies.
He said: “It’s been quite a good experience, we’ve done about six paintings at the different locations so far, and we’re quite pleased with the turnout.
“We’re giving about 35% of the profits, so we’re hoping it’s successful as ARCHIE does such important work, and it will be wonderful when the digital art gallery is here and working.”
Dave Tipping, director of projects for the ARCHIE Foundation, said: “Art plays such an important role in a child’s hospital experience, with both children and their families getting involved.
“The digital art gallery will present an opportunity for not only children of all ages and all abilities to proudly display their own work, but also for local artists to display their work for the children and their families to enjoy.
“ARCHIE has received a great deal of support from the Butterworth Gallery over the years and it makes such a difference, we are extremely grateful.”