A READING artist is selling a limited edition print to raise funds for two local charities.
Peter Driver, who lives in Mortimer, has created the print in memory of his daughter Alice, who passed away in 2019, aged 28.
The sale is in aid of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, where Alice received specialist care at the end of her life, and Reading Refugee Support Group where she was a volunteer.
Alice was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 19 and in her first year of university.
“It was a long journey with lots of treatment, the tumour was slow-growing but relentless,” Mr Driver said.
“We had a wonderful Sue Ryder Nurse who visited Alice at home initially.
She was cared for at the hospice for the last six weeks of her life. During that time we were able to stay with her in the family room, where we put up bunting and played all her favourite music.
The nurses and care staff were just phenomenal, so wonderful and caring. It was the best possible place for Alice to be and we will always be very grateful for the care she received and for the people who looked after her.”
Mr Driver’s prints are made in his studio in Sulhamstead using the woodcut method of printmaking. A design is carved into the surface of a wooden block. Ink is applied, and then the image is transferred to paper using a press. The areas of the wood that are cut away don’t transfer any ink, leaving a pattern.
The print features a wood grain effect overlaid with the phrase “imagine better”, which is about the importance of imagination in making the world a better place.
Georgia Thornton, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, thanked Mr Driver for selling the prints to raise funds for the hospice.
“Every pound raised will help us continue to be there when it matters for people in our local community, and fill last days with love,” she said.
Each print costs £44.96, which includes a £15 donation to each charity, and an additional woodcut print featuring the phrase “I’m glad you’re alive!”
For more information, visit: linktr.ee/peterdriverstudio
