31/03/2023 | Press releases

Ed Sheeran’s latest collaboration unveiled – with Background Bob!

The latest collection of colourful artwork which has been created by an inspirational 14-year-old alongside celebrities such as Ed Sheeran, Joe Lycett and Grayson Perry will go on display in Colchester tomorrow (Saturday 1 April).

Around 250 brand new pieces by Noah (pictured below), who is also known as Background Bob, will be showcased at Firstsite in Colchester, where they will remain on display for 28 weeks before going under the hammer to raise vital funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

The artwork has also been used in a new book which will be released in mid-April – again with all proceeds used to support patients receiving care at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), as well as its staff.

The idea for Background Bob was born during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Knowing how much Noah loved to paint, dad Nathan reached out via social media to ask artists from across the world to consider collaborating with him. Noah then painted a colourful background onto card before the artist added their signature style on top.

Background Bob’s collaboration with Joe Charman

 

Noah’s family have received submissions from hundreds of street artists and celebrities since then, including Ange Bell, Heath Kane and comedian Phill Jupitus, and have raised a staggering £150,000 for the charity in the process.

Noah’s family, who live in Dedham, are now hoping to boost that total even more with the latest exhibition and auction.

“We are incredibly excited to be holding our third exhibition at Firstsite,” said Nathan. “It’s a fabulous collection of over 250 pieces and has been a fully inclusive project from the start.

“We would like to thank all the artists involved for their kind generosity and their stunning collaborations. It has been a true pleasure raising funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, and it’s been our way of saying thank you for all the support they have offered to Noah over the years.”

The collaboration with Abys

 

Dan Bailey, senior fundraising manager with Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “We remain incredibly grateful to Noah and his family for their ongoing support, and blown away by the artwork he produces alongside his collaborators.

“We would also like to thank Ed Sheeran, Joe Lycett, Grayson Perry and every other celebrity and artist who has given up their time to contribute to this fantastic project. Their generosity really will make a huge difference to our staff and patients.”

The exhibition opens at 10am on Saturday 1 April and will run until 8 October. Entry is free.

Ed Sheeran’s piece

 

For more information about Background Bob, visit his Instagram page @background_bob

More information about Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and its work to support staff and patients at ESNEFT is available on its website.

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