Artist selling Bradford City painting for burns unit

Bob Barker, known for his ‘northern impressionism’ style, has released the artwork titled Take Me Home, which depicts Bradford City AFC fans heading towards the University of Bradford Stadium on a matchday.

Sales of the painting will raise funds for the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU).

Mr Barker’s connection to the cause is deeply personal.

His sons, Richard and Stevie, were in the crowd at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, when a fire claimed the lives of 56 people—54 Bradford City fans and two Lincoln City supporters, with a further 258 people injured.

The painting, by Bob Barker, shows Bradford City AFC supporters walking towards the University of Bradford Stadium on a matchday (Image: Castle Fine Art)

Mr Barker said: “I will never forget that my lads were the lucky ones, but others weren’t as fortunate.

“The Burns Unit did so much for those who were affected and continues to do incredible work for so many people today.

“Raising money for them is my way of saying thank you and making sure that support is there for others when they need it most.”

With the help of fellow supporters, the unhurt brothers were able to climb on to the pitch and watched as the tragedy unfolded.

Bob Barker, (second from left) with his sons (from left) Stevie, Richard and Bobby (Image: Castle Fine Art)

The signed, limited-edition artworks are available exclusively through Castle Fine Art for £695, with £250 from each sale donated to the PSBRU.

Professor Ajay L Mahajan, director of the PSBRU, said: “Bob is a truly amazing artist whose unique style of paintings reflect the scenes and people of Bradford.

“As usual, he has created another masterpiece in his painting of Valley Parade, and it is very kind of him to donate the proceeds from this to our Unit.

“It is donations such as these that helps us continue with our work at the Unit.”

Mr Barker, 71, lives in Eccleshill, Bradford, and is known for his nostalgic Impressionist paintings of northern England.

‘Take Me Home’, which will raise money for the Plastic Surgery Burns and Research Unit (PSBRU), based at the University of Bradford (Image: Castle Fine Art)

Before becoming an artist, he worked as a butcher and videographer.

He has also donated signed limited editions of Take Me Home to the PSBRU, Bradford City AFC, and Lincoln City.

The PSBRU was established by Professor David Sharpe, a consultant plastic surgeon at the time of the tragedy.

Nearly all of the Unit’s research fellows have gone on to practise as consultant plastic surgeons, improving lives both in the UK and around the world.

Take Me Home is available as a limited edition of 95 through Castle Fine Art galleries and online at castlefineart.com/products/bob-barker-take-me-home.