Tony Gittins
Donation protected
On 7 February, Storm Art Gallery in Padiham, was destroyed in a serious fire.
My Dad, Tony Gittins, a local artist, had studio space above the gallery in which he kept completed pieces, works in progress, equipment and materials... Along with a collection of reference books which he had been collecting all of his life.
He has lost...everything!
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and we hope for answers eventually but at this point, the chances of the building being rebuilt and put back to use as a gallery/studio seem to drift further and further away and Dad is very much in limbo having no studio access to create new work to generate income and very little work left to sell to pay for studio space.
Dad made the brave decision years ago to cease 'conventional' employment and follow the dream he'd held since he was a young man, to become a full time artist.
In that time alongside obtaining a degree in fine he has run numerous workshops at schools and for children with additional needs, mentored youngsters and sought to assist animal welfare charities with his work. He has always given his time and expertise freely as he truly loves his work and inspiring others, particularly young people, to create.
Anyone who knows him will know that he would never ask for help himself but his life's dream has quite literally gone up in smoke along with his livelihood and any help that you can offer to help him get back on track would be so very much appreciated.
With any funds raised, we hope to help him find studio space to rent, to replenish materials and generally to get by over the next few months whilst the investigation into the fire is ongoing and our questions are answered.
Anything you can offer to help will be gratefully appreciated.
Nik & Hayley (Tony's kids) and our families.
My Dad, Tony Gittins, a local artist, had studio space above the gallery in which he kept completed pieces, works in progress, equipment and materials... Along with a collection of reference books which he had been collecting all of his life.
He has lost...everything!
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and we hope for answers eventually but at this point, the chances of the building being rebuilt and put back to use as a gallery/studio seem to drift further and further away and Dad is very much in limbo having no studio access to create new work to generate income and very little work left to sell to pay for studio space.
Dad made the brave decision years ago to cease 'conventional' employment and follow the dream he'd held since he was a young man, to become a full time artist.
In that time alongside obtaining a degree in fine he has run numerous workshops at schools and for children with additional needs, mentored youngsters and sought to assist animal welfare charities with his work. He has always given his time and expertise freely as he truly loves his work and inspiring others, particularly young people, to create.
Anyone who knows him will know that he would never ask for help himself but his life's dream has quite literally gone up in smoke along with his livelihood and any help that you can offer to help him get back on track would be so very much appreciated.
With any funds raised, we hope to help him find studio space to rent, to replenish materials and generally to get by over the next few months whilst the investigation into the fire is ongoing and our questions are answered.
Anything you can offer to help will be gratefully appreciated.
Nik & Hayley (Tony's kids) and our families.
Organizer and beneficiary
Nik Gittins
Organizer
Tony Gittins
Beneficiary
