A Birmingham comedian whose skills and knowledge have ranged from sewing to consumer champion is adding another string to his bow.
Joe Lycett, host of TV shows The Great British Sewing Bee and Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, has turned his attention to art to help launch a much-anticipated event at the city’s Ikon Gallery on Westside.
The master of stand-up, who is also taking over as the host of Channel 4’s Travel Man, reveals and discusses his eight favourite works of art during an interview with Ikon Director Jonathan Watkins.
The digital event, which is available to watch on Ikon Gallery’s YouTube channel on Monday 17 May, marks the reopening of the art venue following the COVID-19 lockdown.
It will also formally launch Ikon for Artists, set up to help Birmingham artists who have struggled during the pandemic.
To mark the launch of Ikon for Artists an art sale will be held at the Oozells Square venue from 17 to 31 May when the galleries will be filled with works by more than 250 Birmingham artists.
The participating artists have been invited to submit one piece each, up to a value of £1,000, in a variety of forms ranging from paintings and photos to sculptures. Every piece of artwork will be available to buy, with every penny of the proceeds going to the artists themselves.
Mr Lycett, who is taking part in the art exhibition and sale himself, said Birmingham was “teeming with artists”.
He added: “It’s terrific that Ikon is giving space to display local art. I am delighted to be involved, both as an artist and as part of the gallery reopening.”
The comedian, who has previously appeared on TV shows Portrait Artist of the Year and Grayson’s Art Club, can be seen talking about his favourite artworks on 17 May between 7pm and 8pm.
The discussion, the latest in Ikon’s These Are a Few of My Favourite Things series, can be viewed at https://m.youtube.com/user/IkonGallery. It is free to view but donations are welcomed.
By Tony Collins
