Discovering Yorkshire in 2009
Gil Richardson is to cycle the route around Yorkshire in September 2009 to search for the same spirit of community and individuality which Wilkinson discovered. She will visit many of the community groups helped by the Community Foundation and make a photographic record of the journey.
Many of these groups across the county are staging fundraising events to coincide with the cycle trip. A proportion of the money raised will be donated back to help the work of the Community Foundation so that other similar groups can be helped in the future.
Philip Spellacy read Wilkinson's book in 1969 when he was an art student in Leeds studying for a degree in Fine Art, and was inspired to become a wandering puppet showman himself following graduation in 1970.
He performed throughout Britain with a repertoire of one person shows, as well as representing his country at numerous international puppet festivals around the world . Having returned to his original fine art training in 2005, following the completion of an MA in Contemporary Fine Art Practice, Philip's primary interest now is to paint the landscapes on the journey, during which he will also act as Gil's logistical support. www.philipspellacy.net
Philip painting near the Matterhorn
The pair will put on an exhibition of paintings and photographs to illustrate the journey at the Skipton Puppet Festival, September 25th – 27th 2009. www.skiptonpuppetfestival.co.uk The exhibition will be at The Narrow Boat, 38 Victoria Street, Skipton. www.markettowntaverns.co.uk