Art for Art’s Sake - NHS Heroes supported by Barrows & Forrester

'Forward in Unity' is a mural painted by Gent48, a renowned Birmingham street artist. It's situated in the centre of Digbeth and pays homage to NHS and emergency service heroes that have steered us through the pandemic. 

The mural has now been used as the basis of a commemorative print signed by 250 dignitaries, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer, and comedians Joe Lycett and Jasper Carrott.

Each signatory was selected for their reputation, influence and efforts in the region as the project sought to showcase the key individuals that would ensure that Birmingham would emerge from the pandemic in a position of strength.

The print, in turn, has been recreated as 150 A0 sized prints together with a number of artist's proofs that are being sold with the proceeds going to charity.

James Forrester of Barrows & Forrester has purchased one of the artist's proofs, also signed by the great and the good, for £17,000 in support of the community effort to raise money and to shout about those in the Birmingham community and beyond that have put themselves on the front line in the fight against Covid-19.

James says "As a local guy, I was attracted to this initiative from day one. I want to raise both money and awareness for the Lord Mayor's charities that this project is supporting but, also, I come from a family of NHS workers and am passionate that we recognise their heroic efforts in helping us all through the pandemic despite the huge risks to themselves. 

“I hope that others will join me in purchasing some of the remaining prints that recognise the incredible art that the work by Gent48 represents. Great art and for a great cause."

** This Easter, Letting Agent Today and Estate Agent Today are saluting those in our industry who raise money for others. It’s a small way of saying ‘thank you’. Our normal news stories resume on Tuesday April 6 - so in the meantime, respect to all fund-raisers!