THE work of hundreds of artists from around the globe who got onboard with an 11-year-old’s painting project will be featured in the pages of a special art book for charity.

Nathan Jones started helping his son, Noah, paint on pieces of cardboard as a lockdown activity back in May.

When Mr Jones realised how much Noah, who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus, was enjoying using a paint brush, he came up with an idea.

Gazette:

He put a call out on social media asking artists to complete the paintings Noah had started from their Dedham home.

To date, more than 250 artists from across the globe have sent Noah, known as Background Bob, their designs on top of his background pieces.

A book has now been created bringing together all of the artists’ work, and the profits from sales will go to the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

Gazette:

They will specifically benefit the Children’s Department at Colchester Hospital.

Mr Jones, 47, said: “Noah loves painting. He has a real eye for colour and has created all the backgrounds himself.

“Every time we get a new painting in the post Noah has the exciting task of opening it up to see what that artist has created. It’s certainly kept him busy and very happy.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response received from my shout out on social media. A friend suggested we turn the artwork into a book before it goes to auction.

Gazette:

“We are over the moon with the book, it’s a real gem. Not only will everyone get to enjoy the artwork, but it means we can raise even more money for Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity.”

An auction of the paintings is planned for January 2021 and will be an online event via eBay.

Anyone who is interested in the project can follow Noah’s Instagram account, under the handle background_bob.

To order the book go to colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk.