Artist announces project that puts HCPT's pilgrimages in the frame

Artist Colin Bentley on pilgrimage

Acclaimed artist Colin Bentley has announced a major project: 'Pilgrimage - a portrait of HCPT' inspired by the work of the charity. Colin, who is currently Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Artist in residence, has work in private collections throughout the World.

Colin says: "I've always thought of myself as very lucky doing something that inspires me. Walking into my studio every day still fills me with joy and excitement. I am so fortunate that my life revolves around my job as an artist.

"For one week a year that all changes. Each Easter I close my studio, regardless of deadlines or work pressures, for my other passion in life, HCPT.

"HCPT takes disabled and disadvantaged children to Lourdes in the south of France at that time. The benefits the stay has on the children we take in our group (HCPT Group 141, based in Devon) is always staggering - be it in terms of their independence, self-esteem or little, but important, achievements that they attain during the week. It also, in many cases, provides much needed respite for the parents and carers back home. Put simply, the week gives people hope.

"My saddest and happiest experiences have been in Lourdes. It's a place where I feel deeply connected to the most basic human emotions of love, hope, fear, joy and faith. It is a place of extremes. I've never experienced anywhere else you can witness incredible joys and deep sorrows in such a short space of time. It really is a remarkable place.

"I've always wanted to do something that combines my day job as an artist and my week in Lourdes. However, as the pilgrimage is so deeply important to me, I've kept them separate until I could find a truly meaningful way of bringing them together. I've never taken on a project that is so deeply personal before, and it won't be an easy journey. However, I'm sure my passion for HCPT's work will shine through to create something truly special.

"With the project I'll explore the work of HCPT through a collection of portraits. Some will be large group portraits full of life, laughter and noise - while others will be quiet, intimate and delicate. I want each painting to capture an easily missed moment of care and deep love that is present in Lourdes. I hope the collection of paintings will eventually give a true and vibrant flavour of an HCPT pilgrimage - both at Easter and Summer."

Read more about HCPT here: www.hcpt.org.uk