Gruffalos come to Rotherham as part of art project

The popular children’s character’s creator, author Julia Donaldson, has joined dozens of amateur artists — some with famous faces and others less well-known — in producing artworks for a fund-raising auction run by Rotherham art project Gallery Town.

But anyone wanting to snap up Julia’s sketch could have their work cut out — as three others of the Gruffalo have been produced — and the artists’ identity will only be revealed after the pictures are sold as they are signed on the back.

Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler has also provided a sketch of the family favourite for the auction and exhibition, which is being titled The Art Project.

People can viewed the artworks on display at the Coterie Gallery at Riverside Precinct until September 30.

They can bid for their favourite in person until September 30 or on ebay up to October 5 — with proceeds going to Rotherham Hospice.

More than 100 postcard-sized works of art are up for grabs after being created by the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Brian Blessed, musician Jilted John, Pulp drummer Nick Banks, wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering, historian Margaret Clarkson, ex-Prime Minister David Cameron, artist Chris Bird, the Earl of Scarborough and several Rotherham United players, as well as Rotherham residents and college students.

The works include pencil drawings, graphic designs, cartoons, photography, collages, paintings and crayon creations.

Ged Omar, Gallery Town Project Manager said: “When looking at ways to fundraise for both causes and via the arts we came across similar projects that have been run successfully in other areas.

“We are really pleased with the response from both celebrities and local artists both amateur and professional. It’s a lot of fun and it will make a real difference.”

The gallery’s opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.