The passing of an icon

A man passed away recently who, for those of us of a certain age, will be remembered with great fondness and warmth.

The passing of Ray Alan, Ventriloquist supreme, saddened me greatly. I was fortunate enough to meet Ray (through a mutual friend, Steve Cosham), many years ago, and spend a marvelous Sunday at lunch with him at The Earlswood Arms pub, near his home in Reigate. He charmed us all, that day, with his warmth and generosity of spirit.
Sometime later I drew a caricature of him, and his most famous creation Lord Charles, for his birthday. As a professional artist I’ve drawn many such caricatures, but Ray was gracious and effusive with his praise and I enjoyed this one probably more than any other.

In 2005 Ray called me and asked if he could use the illustration in his autobiography (he was writing it and looking for a deal at the time), I was delighted to say yes. In fact, I said, when he was ready, I would redraw it (to a higher finish) to make it easier to print. This made him happy and we agreed to talk again soon. Sadly, the call from Ray never came ......and we lost touch.

When news of his death hit I was extremely upset, but I basked in the memory of that afternoon with him....and counted myself lucky to have known him at all. This last week I’ve revisited the drawing I did for him, and come up with the above image. I’m pleased with it as an image, and feel it captures Ray's playful nature. He had a completely irreverent attitude to Lord Charles and enjoyed confounding peoples expectations of that relationship.

He will, for me, forever be the T.V. Star I grew up with and the lovely man who regaled us with stories and gags that glorious Sunday afternoon.

Excelsior, respectfully, out. 

Stand Up....Lee Mack!!

I was recently invited to a gig at the HMV Apollo, Hammersmith, featuring the genius that is Lee Mack. His whirlwind delivery, and pointed observations are a joy to behold. He harks back to the very best of the old school (oddly reminding me of Eric Morecombe) while being bang up to date.

I was moved to create this portrait of Lee on the strength of the gig. It's the first of series of works featuring current comedians. Others will include: Sean Lock, Dara O'Briain and Michael McIntyre. 

I'm looking to market them as prints at some point, materialistic weasel that I am!!

Enjoy!

Excelsior Out!!!

Proud Brother 2

And to celebrate this great meeting of Darting Titans I knocked up a quick caricature to commemorate it. 

Tony is the "Maverick" "Top Gunner" (from the beach volleyball scene) throwing down a challenge to "The Power". 

Not terribly flattering for my brother, but then that's the point.

Excelsior Out!

A Proud Brother

Phew.....made it back on....finally!! I promise i'll be a more diligent poster this year. To that end here's a shot of my baby brother, Tony Mitchell, with none other than "The Power" himself! Tony is a darts player himself so was bursting with pride at meeting the great man.

It was taken in Marske Cricket Club where Phil was making one, of his many, guest appearances. 

For all it was a tiny venue he was charming, diligent, honest, funny and gracious....everything a champion should be. He made everyone's night.

Tony shared a story with him about his own darting adventures. In 2008 he qualified for the UK Open finals (in Bolton) via the pub rounds. He beat a good club player in the first round, and was interviewed by the delightful Helen Chamberlin when it became evident that "Maverick" (Tony's dart moniker) would be playing "Iceman" (Alan Warriner-Little) in the next round. 

Tony explained to Phil that he'd been looking forward to playing him in the final (LOL) but it wasn't to be. Phil asked him "Who'd knocked you out son?" 

"Alan Warriner-Little" replied my brother, expecting an "Ah well, he is a professional you know" from the power. Phil snorted in mock derision "Warriner, pah!!" as if to say "You've got a long way to go to meet me son if Warriner is knocking you out".

We all laughed and Phil was happy to pose for shots, and sign autographs, well into the night. All in all a great evening attended by a great man.

Excelsior Out! 

"So Bohemian like you...."

After having watched Russell wander his merry way through the MTV Music Video Awards, I thought I'd put this up. He's not to everyone's taste but...he makes me laugh. Good on 'ya son...keep those Yanks in line.

By the way, I must add my voice to those who've called Kanye West a dick! Firstly, it's just an award...get over it! Secondly, way to go picking on children! Thirdly, no one gives a damn what you think, YA MUPPET!!

Excelsior out!!

"Welcome to the Black & White Parade..."

When I was a young boy, my Father took me into the city to see a marching band.
He said "Son when you grow up will you be
the saviour of the broken, the beaten, and the damned?"
He said "Will you defeat them, your demons and all the non-believers,
the plans that they have made?
Because one day I'll leave you a phantom to lead you in the summer,
in the Black & White parade."

When I was a young boy, my Father took me into the city to see a marching band.
He said "Son when you grow up will you be the saviour of the broken, the beaten, and the damned?"
Sometimes I get the feeling he's watching over me. And other times I feel like I should go.
When through it all, the rise and fall, the bodies' in the streets, and now you're gone we want you all to know.

We'll Carry on, We'll Carry on, and though you said you dont believe me, your memory will carry on, we'll carry on, and though my heart cannot contain it, the anthem wont explain it.

This world that sends you reeling from decimated dreams. It's misery and hate will kill us all.
So paint it black and take it back, lets shout it loud and clear. Do you fight it to the end?, we hear the call to carry on. We'll carry on, and though your dead and gone believe me; your memory will carry on. We'll carry on and though you're broken and defeated,your weary widow marches...on and on we carry through the fears. Disappointed faces of your peers.Take a look at me,'cause I could not care at all--- Do or die you'll never make me. 

Because the world,will never take my heart. You can try, you'll never break me. You want it all, you wanna play this part. I won't explain, or say I'm sorry. Im not ashamed, I'm gonna show my scar's.
Let's hear a cheer, for all the broken. Listen here, because it's me too! I'm just a man, I'm not a hero. Just a man, who means to sing this song. Just a man, I'm not a hero. I - don't! - care!.
We'll carry on. We'll carry on, and though your dead and gone believe me your memory will
carry on. We'll carry on, and though you're broken and defeated, your weary widow marches on!---Do or die, you'll never make me, because the world, will never take my heart.

And though you try, you'll never break me. You want it all,(We'll carry on---) you wanna play this part. Do or die, ,(We'll carry on---) you'll never make me, because the world,(We'll carry on---) will never take my heart. You can try, you'll never break me.,(We'll carry ....) You want it all,(We'll carry on------) you wanna play this part."

A hero has left us, a phantom in the Summer....it is our duty to follow his heroic example, now and forever!

Excelsior Out! SO63! Amen!

Great Britons V.S. Grate Britons

Here's the first in a series of caricatures entitled "Great Britons v.s. Grate Britons". People I like versus people I would cheerfully strangle. 

Leaving out the obvious targets for a moment....Mike Ashley, you know where you stand with me; first up is Pete "BabyShambles" Doherty...a true waste of skin if ever there was one. His music is a mystery as it never charts anywhere; but his scuzzy mug makes regular visits to the "Red Tops". 

He's quietened down since Kate Moss, wisely got rid...but just knowing he's out there...festering; fills me with revulsion.

All views expressed here are arbitrary, personal and not necessarily right...but then it is my site!!

Excelsior out!