As you probably know, Tony Hart, one of Britain’s best loved artists and children’s TV presenters died in the early hours of Sunday morning so as a tribute to Tony, here’s a look back at his life and career.

Tony graduated from Maidstone Art College in 1950 and went on to his first job as a display artist for a West End store. However, his creativity didn’t have any real outlet there so he became a freelance artist and, in the tradition of struggling artists, Tony lived in a grotty basement flat and in exchange for meals, he painted murals on restaurant walls. Read more & comment »

Tony Hart has revealed that he has been forced to give up art after suffering two strokes.

Hart told The Times:

“It has been my lifetime passion, but I endeavour to stay cheerful as there is nothing to be done about my condition.”

He continued: “My whole life has changed since my strokes. After breakfast I would adjourn to my studio, built in my garden, until 4pm when I would change my shoes and set forth on a four-mile Gurkha-pace-jog through the Surrey hills.

“Today my studio lies abandoned and I spend most of my day confined to my chair.” Read more & comment »