Monday, 15 August 2011

Artist to sell life’s work for Alzheimer’s charity

Northumberland artist Wilson Smith is selling his entire collection of paintings, new and old, to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Over 50 paintings will be on sale at an exhibition, entitled Painting for Alzheimer’s, at Bellingham Town Hall on 29 and 30 August. Mainly in oil, the paintings include landscapes, portraits, large abstract canvasses and a series of copies of Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.

Wilson, 78, pictured below, was devastated when his wife Jean died with Alzheimer’s three years ago. Since then he’s found comfort in his love for painting and is determined to continue to raise desperately needed funds for research into this devastating disease. His talent as an artist was first noticed when he was just 10-years-old and he was presented to the Prime Minister of the time, Sir Winston Churchill.

Based in West Woodburn, near Hexham, Wilson explained his motivation for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK: “Watching Jean slip away with Alzheimer’s was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. So much more needs to be understood about this cruel disease and it can only be achieved through research. I felt helpless as Jean was gradually robbed of her precious memories and independence. Towards the end she couldn’t walk or talk and finally she couldn’t eat or drink – there was no way out.

“The sale of my paintings is dedicated to all those people who are living with this devastating disease. Every penny raised through the sale of my work will go to Alzheimer’s Research UK to help them progress with their pioneering research. Words can’t describe how much I want to see new treatments and a cure for this disease so that other people don’t have to suffer.”

The Painting for Alzheimer’s exhibition takes place on 29 and 30 August, from 9am to 5pm at Bellingham Town Hall, 19 Hillside, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 2RU. Entrance is £3 and includes a catalogue of the paintings.


2 comments:

  1. This is the nicest thing a man can do. I don't remember the last time when I've heard about something like this....Till now Yury Mintskovsky is the only person that did something similar but this artist is by far the most generous man on the Planet, especially because he gave all his work to charity, not just a small part or something...

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  2. Well done wilson, thanks for supporting the Alzheimer’s Research charity, hopefully you will raise enough money to make a difference and help out raise awarness.

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