Local artist creates cartoon book to lift our spirits during lockdown

‘What’s in the Lockdown Kitchen?’ is a collection of 50 humorous cartoons based on everyday food items. The drawings are a play on words of the name of the food. In the book you will meet characters such as ‘Granny Smith’ an Apple portrayed as a grandmother and ‘Prawn Cocktail’ the cockerel with a prawn in place of his tail feathers.

Prior to the pandemic, Kevin volunteered at the hospice, teaching arts and crafts to patients for many years. Aware of the fundraising challenges that COVID-19 presented, Kevin decided to create the book and sell it to raise money. To date, the book has raised a total of £635 for Farleigh Hospice, a figure that is set to grow with future sales.

Speaking of his inspiration for his book, Kevin said: “Once I stopped teaching arts and crafts at Farleigh, I found myself wondering if there was anything more I could do to contribute to their cause. I’ve had a passion for creating cartoons since I was a child, in fact they form a significant part of my work.

“The pandemic has reignited a passion for cooking for many of us. Necessity has caused us to get more creative in the kitchen because we’re eating at home more than ever before. My aim with the cartoons was simply to make people smile in these rather strange times. I started sending them to family and friends. When some suggested they might be turned into a book, I thought that it might be a great way of raising money for Farleigh. So far, I have been very pleased with the outcome.”

Alison Stevens, Chief Executive of Farleigh Hospice comments: “Kevin’s book is such a novel idea and we really appreciate his fundraising efforts. It’s heart-warming to know that in addition to volunteering his time in the past, he asked ‘what more can I do to help?’

“We are truly grateful for the money he has as raised with his book. The food cartoons really do make you smile and we hope it will provide some cheer during this lockdown and beyond. Donors like Kevin make it possible for Farleigh to continue our work in providing care and support to those with a life-limiting illness during these unprecedented times.”

A former Economics and Business studies teacher, Kevin has no formal art training, just natural talent, which is evident in his established portfolio. He exhibits at a variety of locations in London and Essex and has a permanent display space in the Art and Craft Centre in Dedham.

Kevin works in pen and ink, watercolour, oil, pastels and pencil. His subject matters range from portraits, still life, cityscapes and buildings to cartoons and caricatures. Kevin is currently working on some similar food-related sketches that, he says, he may use for a second book to raise even more funds for Farleigh Hospice.

You can order a copy of Kevin’s book by emailing kbutters@sky.com providing your postal address. Kevin asks that you donate an amount of your choice. On the ‘reason for donation’ section, please select ‘other’ and then state ‘Purchase of Lockdown Kitchen cartoon book’.

If you would like to fundraise for Farleigh Hospice find out more here or call 01245 457411.