The Prince’s Trust
Starting a business is an exciting and challenging life choice. Art school doesn’t prepare you for the daunting task of showing and selling your work, so I drew inspiration from the Impressionists and staged my own exhibitions right from the beginning. I come from a working class family of entrepreneurs and business owners, so it felt natural to take my career into my own hands.
I received a grant from the Prince’s Trust to help start my own business, with mentoring and support to help me get started. I was able to buy my first car, and with that I travelled all over the UK with large paintings strapped to the roof.
Finding a space, I would persuade the owner to let me use it for free, and stage an exhibition. I displayed my work in commercial galleries too. Before long I had several solo and group exhibitions under my belt, most of them self curated and promoted. Working at a commercial gallery in addition to many other side jobs in the service industry, I learned a lot about curation, presentation and how to sell art.
Eventually, I opened my own gallery in North Wales. This successful small enterprise was made possible by the financial support and mentoring by the Prince’s Trust. It gave me the resources and confidence to thrive in a difficult industry.
I had the honor of being selected to meet His Royal Highness in 2002 at a Prince’s Trust event. As an artist himself, Prince Charles – now King – was interested in what medium I was using, and why I chose to paint climbers (my principal subject at the time). I found him to be a warm, intelligent man, softly spoken and kind.
I am profoundly grateful to the King Charles for establishing this incredible resource for young people to get on on life.
What is the Prince’s Trust?
It all began in 1976, when His Majesty King Charles III, when he was His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, had a bold idea.
Having completed his duty in the Royal Navy, His Majesty became dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK. He founded His Trust to deliver on that commitment.
The Prince’s Trust provides courses, resources and other support to help people aged 11 to 30 develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities. The Prince’s Trust has helped 1 million young people to date. Over the last five years, 3 in 4 young people supported by The Trust moved into work, education or training.
Learn more at https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
Get free support to develop the skills and confidence you need to find a job or start a business.
