July 27, 2020
Artist creates Marvellous Opportunity
Barewall are delighted to see artist Nick Moore immortalise one of his and the region's heros Neil Baldwin aka 'Nello'.
Lockdown restrictions have resulted in creative opportunities for Newcastle-under-Lyme artist, Nick Moore.
Making virtual contact with artists and friends who were also affected by isolation has strengthened his existing friendships and opened up opportunities for the artist to reach out to the people he has been influenced by.
In a furious few months Nick has painted scores of new portraits by collaborating after contacting them and sharing ideas. The new portraits include TV Potter, Keith Brymer-Jones, China Crisis singer, Gary Daly, rising folk singer, Katherine Priddy, podcaster and rapper Scroobius Pip and friend and fellow Westlands resident Neil “Nello” Baldwin.
His portrait of Nello was completed by studying a photograph he took when they had a chance encounter earlier in the year in Newcastle town centre.
Nick’s painting was revealed on social media the same day that Nello’s BAFTA award winning biopic“Marvellous” made in 2014 was re-screened in June, 2020.
The painting “Nello, Freeman of Newcastle-under-Lyme” was so well received on Twitter, with 45,000 impressions, that he contacted Amanda Bromley at Barewall Gallery in Burslem. They decided to immortalise the painting as affordable half-sized, limited edition prints and a single full-sized version. Nick then numbered, signed them and visited Nello, in a socially-distanced way, to gain his friend’s signature.
Nello and the artist decided that 25% of the profits would go to Nello’s chosen charity, Keele University Volunteers.
Barewall Gallery is now offering a limited edition of ten framed 45x45cm prints for sale at £135. All purchases can be made online https://www.barewall.co.uk/products/nello-freeman-of-newcastle-under-lyme-signed-print-by-nick-moore , by calling Amanda Bromley on 07932717718 or by emailing shop@barewall.co.uk
Neil “Nello” Baldwin, BEM, is a Freeman of Newcastle-under-Lyme and was awarded an Honorary Degree by Keele University. He is a local celebrity, a registered clown and was Stoke City Football Club mascot. His many acquaintances include the Archbishop of Canterbury, Prince Edward and Gary Lineker. “Marvellous” was published as a book and is soon to be performed after it was adapted as a play at the New Vic Theatre.
Image: Nello and Nick with a half-sized print and an image the signed print.