Again this event proved to be very successful for Speight of the Art in the North Staffordshire Region.

The Garden Party event was to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the existence of Knights the solicitors. The Speight of the Art headquarters reside in this building. A building which had been rebuilt by Oliver Speight, the Founder of Speight of the Art 20 years previously.

Speight of the Art had been very kindly invited to be the focus of the event and all proceeds raised are planned to be donated to the Foundation.

Oliver greeted guests and conversed about the Foundation and showed Mark’s montage in the reception area.

Art workshops ran throughout the day. The children were taught by Chris Ryder, the Caricaturist and Chris Altham, the Cartoonist.

Workshops were run alternatively, Oliver had managed to borrow two beautiful cream carpets so the children would sit on the floor with their clipboards and learn how to cartoon and caricature draw. The carpet sitting arrangement made it very comfortable and relaxed for the children who attended.

A variety of inspirational second hand Art books, some of which belonged to Mark, were left on the carpet for the children to read at their leisure. Enlarged photographs of previous Art workshops were on view for children to see.

Children and parents alike participated in the workshops and a Children’s Art nurturing day unfolded.

The Speight of the Art charity stall was also successful, displaying Speight of the Art promotional merchandise such as mugs, pens, bookmarks and t-shirts. A collection of Art materials were displayed and sold again to inspire children into art. Coloured plasticine, children’s clay, Art books and card making materials proved to be a hit with the children. Also information about the benefit of Art for children were left for children and parents to read.

The Speight of the Art Bran Tub proved to be successful too.

I would like to thank everybody who helped me to prepare for the event and the volunteers who helped me on the day. Also a huge thank you to Knights for their extreme kindness and support towards the Foundation.

Jilly Stubbs
Regional Coordinator for HQ and North Staffs Region