ICM - Leeds Design Agency

As a one-time Gallery submitter, I was saddened to hear yesterday of Tony Hart’s departure. Warm, friendly and charismatic, it was like having an extra granddad when I was younger.

I’m sure there are thousands of designers, artworkers and creatives up and down the country who like me, wouldn’t have pursued their chosen careers without a little inspiration from Tony Hart. He encouraged his viewers to try new styles of drawing, painting and collage, and to experiment creatively without having to worry about ability and technique.

I never quite realised Tony’s television career spanned almost fifty years, an achievement only a few can be proud to claim.

So here’s to Tony, let’s all raise a pen, pencil or crayon to a wonderful artist.