Limited-edition print by Middleton artist raises money for the NHS

Sales of a limited-edition artwork by a self-taught Middleton artist has so fair raised over £1,000 for the NHS.

Working from her home studio, Toni Lane has painted a cheery scene of ten favourite British birds on a branch, each one representing a different key worker.

She was inspired to create the piece after an online comment on a similar piece of work, featuring six British birds on a branch.

Toni, who used to run a painted furniture shop in Middleton, said: “The piece sold immediately, and a follower commented ‘special branch’. Straight away, I had a lightbulb moment!

“The very next day I painted ‘The Special Branch’, to represent the key workers in a way where they are working together – with no one being more important than the other. I wanted to put them all up there on a pedestal for all to see as their hard work and dedication has kept us going.”

The original painting sold on the same day it was finished, with Toni also offering printed canvases, framed prints, cushions, mugs and A5 postcards depicting the scene through her business, Vero Amore Interiors.

Toni says the painting’s owner “was thrilled and purchased two herself for family members” and, to date, 120 prints of the key worker-theme painting have sold, with £10 from each sale being donated to the NHS.

“I really didn’t think I’d sell that many, but sales have raised £1,200 for the NHS so far. I chose the NHS as we all use the NHS at times and I thought it was the best place to send the money raised,” she continued.

“People have been purchasing the artwork for family and friends who are key workers: people who they know are working so hard and they are unable to see because of lockdown and the virus. The artwork has had such a positive response and I have been blown away with how popular it has been.”

 

 

Speaking about applying ‘The Special Branch’ to a postcard, Toni said: “I thought it would be lovely if I could make it more affordable and allow people to send it to more of their loved ones. 

“The postcard is big enough to be a nice sized print, and is blank on the reverse so you can send a heartfelt personal message to a loved one, someone who is maybe self-isolating, someone you are missing or someone who needs a little cheering up.

“I thought it would be a lovely gesture and then they can also be framed easily to treasure forever. Postcards are a great way for people to own the art in a smaller way, but with an added extra. I love the idea of a traditional postcard at a time when we are all doing video calls, as there will be many people who aren’t seeing anybody.”

Toni added: “I wanted to create a piece of art that can be shared, that can be looked back on and in years to come that will help us remember this time, not with sadness, but with fond memories.”

The Special Branch prints come with a special certificate of authenticity about the artwork and the fund raising. 

You can purchase a copy at:

• www.veroamoreinteriors.co.uk