Artist News Education & Events

Florence Welch, Brian Wilson and more channel The Beatles to paint for Youth Music

By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 27 September 2016

The Youth Music charity will open an art exhibition in London this week under the title ‘Art In The Corner’ showing original works by musicians, including Florence Welch, Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, The Specials’ Jerry Dammers and more.

All the artworks being exhibited were created for the show, which was inspired by the 50th anniversary of ‘Images Of A Woman’, the only known painting produced collectively by The Beatles. All the exhibited works were made using the same materials available to The Beatles in 1966.

“It is a wonderful idea”, says Level 42’s Mark King, whose band also contributed a painting. “The last time we painted was at school. It was like a time machine”.

Charlie Higson, who produced a painting with fellow comedian Paul Whitehouse in the guise of their re-formed punk band The Right Hand Lovers, adds: “Sadly I think this painting is all that the newly re-formed Right Hand Lovers is going to achieve. We haven’t actually made any music. Although maybe…”

Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths says: “We’re delighted to hear that so many revered musicians and bands have been putting time and effort into creating paintings that will support our work using music to transform the lives of young people in challenging circumstances. We’re hugely grateful to all those taking part”.

Other acts involved include Marillion, Imagine Dragons, Wolf Alice and John Illsley of Dire Straits. Following two private views at Cass Art in Islington and Pretty Green in Carnaby Street this week, the paintings will be auctioned off to raise month for the charity. Find out more and buy prints here.