Former Co-op chief exec David Hughes MBE took up the brush and easel 40 years ago. Now his work has gone on display just as he is about to reach his milestone birthday
A talented artist has achieved his lifelong dream with his first exhibition…just days before he turns 100. Former Co-op chief exec David Hughes MBE took up the brush and easel almost 40 years ago. He was in his 60s when he converted one of the rooms at home in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, into an art studio.
The author and artist has honed his skills ever since and his work has gone on display at Washington Arts Centre, Tyne and Wear. His first ever solo exhibition is on until December 20th, the day after he turns 100. And his work continues to raise money for good causes, even as he reaches his milestone birthday.
David, who also served in the army, turned to art following the death of his wife May and admitted it was mainly to combat loneliness. He said: “This gives me a purpose. If I can persuade people who are on their own to get out, to do even a little and live a happier, longer life, that is all I’m trying to do. “I get up every morning and say, ‘Enjoy today. It’s no good thinking of tomorrow as it may not come. Accept the things you can change, change the things you can and live every day to your best.’” His achievements are all the more remarkable as he has macular degeneration, a condition which can cause loss of vision. He suffered a stroke which left him temporarily unable to speak or move last year and was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.
He added: “Thanks to the incredible care I received there, I’m still here and enjoying life. I’ve been committed to supporting charities since my retirement, and now I’m using my art and my 100th birthday to give back in my own way.”
He was made a MBE in 2016 for services to the charities he has supported throughout his life. He has also written a string of books, including one about the history of the co-operative society in the North East. After his recovery, he began selling prints and cards of his work to raise money for the South Tyneside and Sunderland Hospitals Foundation Trust charity, STS. Catherine Scott-Jones, fundraising manager, helped open the exhibition with Sunderland Culture, which runs the arts centre.
“He’s someone who doesn’t like being told how wonderful he is, inspirational as he is. But for us, he’s a gift of a human,” she said. His donations are used to buy gifts for patients of all ages who are in hospital during the festive period.
Matthew Blyth, culture and heritage officer at Washington Arts Centre, said: “David’s exhibition is a celebration of resilience and creativity. “Despite recent challenges, David has continued to create extraordinary work that is inspiring our visitors.
“His message of staying active and pursuing your passions, no matter your age or the obstacles put in your way, is something we can all take inspiration from. “It’s an honour to host this exhibition at Arts Centre Washington.”
David has vowed to carry on raising money for good causes, even as he turns 100.
