Preston artist Anthony Padgett auctions his new work celebrating discovery of Coronavirus vaccine in aid of NW Air Ambulance

Anthony's new painting Dove of Vaccine which is being sold on eBay in aid of the North West Air Ambulance charity

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"It is important to come together at times of crisis" says artist Anthony Padgett, who is auctioning a painting with a timely theme.

Lancashire artist Anthony Padgett has created a painting of hope for the new year ... and his hope is it will raise much needed funds for a regional charity.

Anthony's new painting 'Dove of Vaccine 2020' is being of now for sale on eBay with proceeds to go to the North West Air Ambulance charity.

He said the acrylic on canvas, which measures 60cm x 75cm, was influenced by Picasso's famous Dove of Peace.

Anthony, who is based at The Birley Studios in Preston, said: "It is an expression of hope for the new year - that the roll out of the vaccine will be bringing relief from the virus in 2021."

The self employed artist, writer and swing dance teacher is a representative of the Artists Union of England.

He said "My future is uncertain but my heart goes out to all the people and families who are being hit by the virus or who have lost their jobs and have bills to pay." .

It is the second time Anthony has put a painting up for sale for charity during the pandemic. His previous painting was entitled Coronavirus.

Anthony Padgett pictured at his "A Year With Picasso" exhibition

Anthony was aware that while the North West Air Ambulance's fundaising had been hit by the pandemic, but demand for the charity's work continues.

He said: "We need the work of the North West Air Ambulance. It is important to come together at times of crisis."

Anthony said his painting is in his "linear expressionism " style and has a starting bid of £200.

As an award winning sculptor his sculptures of Vincent Van Gogh feature in a permanent Van Gogh trail around England and Europe. He has also created sculptures of Picasso as a child, busts of war poet Wilfred Owen, the Millennium Angel sculpture at Leighton Hall, Carnforth and a tribute to the cockle pickers who lost their lives in Morecambe Bay.

His recent project "A Year With Picasso" culminated in an exhibition in his then Ribchester studio.

To bid for Anthony's painting search for Dove of Vaccine on eBay or see here:

Anthony has also featured in a "Meet the Preston Artist film" commissioned by the city's Harris Museum and Art Gallery which can be seen here: * The Lancashire Post is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to Lancashire news and information online, you can subscribe here