Big HeART Exhibition opens its doors

7th November 2019

Two Essex artists have donated over 80 pieces of artwork in a special exhibition in Chelmsford to help fund more lifesaving research for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

On Tuesday 22 October, the Big HeART Exhibition founded and curated by David and Ros Sowerby and sponsored by Essex property group Beresfords opened its doors to the public for a special preview evening.

Each item sold will fund vital research to reduce the burden of heart and circulatory diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia, and risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Sophie Tibbitts, BHF Fundraising Manager, said: "Heart and circulatory diseases affect around 190,000 people living in Essex alone, with nearly 4,300 people losing their lives to these conditions in the county each year."

"That's why it's vital we partner with local people and businesses to raise more money to help our researchers find better ways to prevent, treat and cure these conditions to beat heartbreak forever."

Artist David Sowerby said: "Ros and I have long been supporters of the British Heart Foundation. Previously, we have contributed to this excellent cause in the more traditional fashion of donating goods to their local shops.""

"However, as we both share a passion for the creative arts and practice painting ourselves, we began to consider alternative forms of contributing to this very worthy charity and at the same time, increase awareness of its work within the local community."

"This led us to a discussion with the charity around the concept of holding an exhibition, with the proceeds going towards heart research and The Big HeART Exhibition was formed."

Beresfords have been supporting the BHF for a number of years after CEO Paul Beresfords son, Alex Beresford, underwent open heart surgery at just 26 years old.

Paul said: "Having experienced first-hand the profound effects that heart complications can have, I am totally behind supporting and raising money for this great charity."

The Transition, a new venue and cafe in Chelmsford, kindly donated space free of charge in support of the BHF. Andy Pinkney, General Manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the BHF in this way and increase awareness of heart disease in the local community."

Sophie Tibbitts added: "We are honoured that David and Ros Sowerby have chosen to support the charity in this way and grateful to Beresford for sponsoring the event, as well as The Transition for hosting the exhibition."

The Big HeART Exhibition will run until the 31^st December 2019 at The Transition in Chelmsford.

If you want to donate to this life saving research, click here.