Art out of adversity (From Messenger Newspapers)

Art out of adversity

2:00pm Friday 27th April 2012 in News

A HALE stroke victim and former fashion icon is having his art work exhibited.

In 2007, after a gall stone operation when he was just 50, a blood clot entered Richard Creme’s brain leaving him unable to speak, write or move his right side.

Lorraine |Longmore, assistant regional manager of the North West Stroke Association, got him to attend her 20-strong communication group.

“At first he was always in tears. He was suicidal making signs of a noose. He used to shout “why?” his only word.

“We got him drawing pictures. He did them all with a ballpoint pen using his left hand. They were amazing.”

His wife, Shelley, said: “The group is a lifeline for stroke affected families though, due to cuts, funding is under threat in 2013.”

Life was very different before Richard became disabled. His Richard Creme boutique for men in Bridge Street was the haunt of celebrities.

Fashion photographers Norman Parkinson and Richard Burbridge promoted his designer clothes without charging. Model Tess Daley posed for them.

“David Beckham is a friend,” said Shelley. “When he first shopped with us, he was a reserve for Manchester United. He bought a shirt and paid for it weekly.

He is writing a testimonial about Richard for the exhibition.”

Among the 21 works on display will be paintings of David Beckham and another famous customer, Bruce Springsteen. There will also be one of Shelley.

Using gesture and facial expression Richard conveyed the message “She was a good wife and still is.”

* The exhibition, part of the Stroke Association’s Stroke Month, supported by Arts for Health, is at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Link Gallery from 2 – 11 May. Admission free.