Social media is a struggle for me, (I’m almost as big a social media-phobe as GOT actor Rory McCann!) and it’s the bit I find hardest about being a blogger. But I persevere, if a little half-heartedly.
Some months ago however, Twitter showed me a picture depicting various animals, planets and dinosaurs.
Something about the artwork and the story captured my imagination. Some things just touch the heart and can’t be ignored.
Hand drawn with impeccable detail it had apparently been completed by a French illustrator, Bernard Tardieu, to be used for education purposes, very shortly before he suffered a stroke in 2013, which robbed him of his voice and his ability to draw.
I don’t know the people involved and will probably never meet them but my uncle had recently had a stroke and my Gran and Grandad did years ago.
I really liked the drawing, it was very me (and very Kids of the Wild), and the artist’s daughter, Anne, was hoping to turn the drawing into a saleable poster in honour of her father’s last artistic achievement.
I’ve included this close-up of a sperm whale, given that regular readers will know my ‘thing’ about whales and crying… How evocative is this image?
I followed the story (on social media!) for a few months and it was wonderful to finally hear that the project had come to fruition and posters were ready for sale. I offered help with sourcing poster tubes and in return was offered a copy of the poster to review.
The A1 poster is stunning and deeply poignant, and I hope Bernard is aware enough to know that his favourite artwork is now available to the public.
We can’t wait to get ours on the wall. There is hours of detail to discover and enjoy.
Free Copy for Schools or Hospitals
The project may not make any profit but any it does make is hoped to go towards French stroke charities.
If you order a copy for yourself, a free copy is sent to a school or hospital of your choice – what a wonderful idea.
For more information on Bernard and the poster project, and to buy a copy and reserve one for your school, please go to the Tardieu Graveurs website
For more books and outdoor gear reviews browse Kids of the Wild’s reviews section
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NB Kids of the Wild received a copy of the poster for the purposes of this review. All views and observations are my own.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Well done for helping this great cause on its way too! I’m going to order one poster and send the free one to the acorns’ school, and I’ll also get in touch with Anne to see if I can help her bring this poster to Ireland. Can’t wait to see it on our wall!
xx
That’s wonderful news Annette, I thought you’d like it for many reasons, not least because it’s a French artist and a stunning piece of natural world artwork. I’m sure Anne will be delighted to hear from you x
I can’t imagine the hours it must have taken to do that, it’s so intricate. Thanks so much for joining in with #culturedkids
It’s stunning isn’t it
What a fantastic thing. My father had a stroke and it is terrible to see the people you love most robbed of their passions. Thank you for linking up to #CulturedKids
I know, so lovely that Anne is getting it into the public domain too
This is brilliant, I’ll definitely order one! #Culturedkids
There’s some little detail to spot in it every day
This is absolutely beautiful and such a wonderful idea! #culturedkids
Isn’t it just – I couldn’t not share the story once I’d read it on Twitter!
This is such a wonderful story. I’m so glad the poster was made and schools are benefitting too.
My father painted a lot after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The family have a lot of his work and prints too, but I often wish we’d done some sort of exhibition when he was alive. I’m sure Bernard is delighted that his art is being appreciated.
#culturedkids
It’s a wonderful way to make something positive from a bad experience, and how lovely for your family that you have lots of your Dad’s artwork as a memory too. Creativity lives on
What a truly lovely artistic piece. Sad to read about the stroke that put an end to his work. #CulturedKids
It is beautiful isn’t it
What a story, and a beautiful piece of collective art. My father dies of a stroke, so every more poignant. #CULTUREDKIDS
Glad to hear it touched you. Stroke is such a horrible thing for someone to suffer, sending you love, and thanks for reading
What a lovely poster and a really worthwhile project. I hope it has lots of success. #culturedkids
It seems to be getting lots of attention, such great artwork. Thanks for reading
Wow, what an absolutely beautiful artwork and beautiful story! Thanks so much for sharing this. I’m quite tempted to get a copy for my little brother’s 9th birthday.
It’s fab isn’t it. A friend has framed one and it’s a great learning piece for the children. Glad you enjoyed it, I couldn’t not share it once I read the story. Thanks for stopping by
What a stunning piece of artwork and an inspirational way to show how much diversity our world has. Lovely to see some artwork getting a place on #GoingGreen
Thanks Rosie, I wasn’t certain about adding it but it seemed apt enough!
The illustrations are amazing, in this. What a special piece of work to be able to own.
#goinggreen