A celebrated artist who has spent decades capturing the beauty of the north-east is to use his creative gift to raise vital funds for children in need.
The work of Howard Butterworth is a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, and the Queen Mother supported him throughout the years – even placing his work in her personal collection.
From private to corporate buyers, his paintings have captured the imagination of art lovers across the globe, and his gallery at Ballogie, on Royal Deeside, is renowned.
Now, he is planning on using his artistic talents to help the ARCHIE Foundation ,the official charity of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH).
On Monday, Mr Butterworth will turn 70-years-old.
To celebrate the occasion he will be embracing the outdoors to capture some of the north-east’s most stunning landscapes.
Mr Butterworth will paint 12 new scenes of famous sites across the region, and even invite the public along to see him in action.
In October, the artwork will be auctioned off at an event in the Marcliffe Hotel, and the money raised will help fund a special project dreamt up by The ARCHIE Foundation.
The charity wants to install a digital art gallery as part of its major campaign to repair ten decades worth of wear and tear at the RACH, and to make the hospital a world-class facility.
The innovative installation will allow longer-term patients to host their own art shows, and give younger patients the chance to see their own work on display.
The project will cost £50,000 to complete – and the charity hope that with the talent of Mr Butterworth behind them, their dream will become a reality.
Speaking yesterday as he cut a cake to kick off his birthday celebrations, Mr Butterworth said: “ARCHIE is doing a wonderful job for the children of Scotland and it’s just one of the charities that I’m privileged to support – it’s a way for me to give something back.”
Starting in tomorrow’s Press and Journal, readers will be provided with clues to figure out where the artist will be setting up his easel this weekend.
You can also use the clues to win a sign Butterworth print worth £150.
Every person who visits him can also put their name into a prize draw to win a £70 voucher.
David Cunningham, chief executive of ARCHIE, said he was delighted Mr Butterworth was continuing to support the charity.
“Howard Butterworth is one of the best known and most respected artists – to have him use the occasion of his 70th birthday to help us to create the digital art gallery for the children in RACH is very exciting,” he said.
“It is also a wonderful example of an innovative way to help us to raise funds for the High 10 for ARCHIE appeal.
“It will make a tremendous difference and we are extremely grateful for this kind gesture.”