Nick Cornwall📷
When: 18th -19th May 2024 12pm - 4pm
Where: Punjab Shaftesbury Wing, 190 Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden, London WC2H 8JL
About Brushstrokes of Resilience - a Journey from Homelessness to Hope.
At 57, David Bedford’s life has been a journey marked by resilience and creativity. After years of backpacking across Europe, he found himself facing the harsh reality of homelessness upon returning to London in 2019.
However, amidst the challenges of survival on the streets, David discovered solace in his passion for drawing, a skill that would not only sustain him but also pave a new path towards a life out of
homelessness.
Thanks to the MD of Punjab Covent Garden, Amrit Mann, and Under One Sky, Punjab Covent Garden will showcase David Bedfords Art in a 2-day exhibition.
With just a £2 entry fee, David hopes the exhibition will raise sufficient funds to realise his plan of ending his status as homeless by moving to Lincolnshire to reduce his living costs, take up factory work and find a stable base.
David is also campaigning for the creation of free or lower-priced licensed art spaces for the homeless, giving people the chance to showcase their art.
"At 57, my life's been a tough road. After years backpacking Europe, I found myself homeless in the UK in 2019, facing financial strain. But instead of giving up. I turned to drawing. Despite life on the streets, I kept at it. finding refuge in libraries and cafes. Drawing became my lifeline. helping me survive. Despite challenges, I persisted.
"Under One Sky (UOS). a charity for the homeless saved me. They provided food. clothes. and crucial support. I am deeply grateful for it.
"Thanks to Amrit Maan. MD of Punjab Covent Carden and a caring UOS Trustee. I've been given a chance to showcase my art at the Punjab Shaftesbury Wing. It's more than just an exhibition: it's a step towards lifting myself out of homelessness and finding stability up North. where life is more affordable. Your support in raising funds is crucial for making this dream a reality.
"Your support is everything. Please Join me on May 18th - 19th 2024. as I reclaim my life. stroke by stroke. Each brush tells a story of resilience and hope. turning adversity into art. and hopefully. a place to call home. Together. let's turn hardship into opportunity." - David Bedford
Under One Sky is a volunteer-led charity that aims to use education, compassion, and collaboration to end homelessness in the UK and beyond. We empower individuals,
companies and public organisations to be a part of the change, transforming lives and growing a community, together. UOS aims to empower homeless individuals and help them rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
Punjab Covent Garden is the oldest Punjabi restaurant in the UK, a renowned restaurant located in central London, offering authentic Punjabi cuisine in a vibrant setting. Managed by Amrit Maan, Punjab Covent Garden is committed to giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that create positive change.