Skip to content

Ed Sheeran and Grayson Perry help with Essex teen's art project

Ed Sheeran recorded a video message in support of the project

A 14-year-old boy has collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Grayson Perry and other artists for a project that has raised more than £160,000 for charity.

Noah, who has hydrocephalus, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, enjoys painting on cardboard at home in Dedham, Essex.

Artists across the world have helped finish the pieces, which are being exhibited at Firstsite gallery in Colchester.

Noah's father Nathan Jones said: "This project has brought him so much joy."

Nathan Jones Noah with one of the paintingsNathan Jones
Noah is raising money to thank hospital staff who care for him
Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran's artEd Sheeran
Ed Sheeran painted over the background that Noah supplied for him

During the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, Noah, who goes by the nickname Background Bob, was painting on cardboard to pass the time while he could not attend school.

Mr Jones posted on Instagram asking artists to collaborate with his son and hundreds of artists came forward.

social media post
Noah's father Nathan posted this message on social media and had a huge response

The project was so popular that it was turned into an exhibition and a book. The art was later auctioned off to raise money for the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, which has looked after Noah since he was born.

The new exhibition, which is Noah's third one, features over 270 collaborative artworks with international street and graffiti artists including Mr Doodle, Shepard Fairey and Wrdsmith, plus comedians Phill Jupitus and Joe Lycett.

Grayson Perry Grayson Perry's pieceGrayson Perry
Grayson Perry painted this striking image over the background Noah sent to him
Mr Doodle Mr Doodle's pieceMr Doodle
Mr Doodle contributed this piece to the exhibition

A mutual friend alerted Suffolk singer-songwriter Sheeran to the project, who said he was happy to take part and sent a video message, saying: "Good luck with everything and I love what you're doing."

Mr Jones said his family had been "absolutely blown away" by the response from artists to their third project.

Nathan Jones Noah and Nathan painting at homeNathan Jones
Noah, who has hydrocephalus, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, began painting on cardboard at home to pass the time during lockdown

"The love and interest to collaborate with Background Bob has been spectacular. Noah has loved every minute of being Background Bob. It's been so much fun, and we've made so many creative connections," he added.

The exhibition runs at Firstsite from 1 April until 8 October, with an auction due to take place afterwards.

presentational grey line

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]