Elaine Nuttall uses her art to support the Octagon

Elaine Nuttall has illustrated that creativity certainly runs in the family as she takes centre stage to raise funds for theatres, including The Octagon, where her daughter has trod the boards.

For the Bolton artist has donated hundreds of pounds to support theatres through the pandemic through the sale of her paintings.

And Did Those Feet by Elaine Nuttall - using a photo reference by kind permission of John Askew

The Octagon Theatre received a generous donation of £400.

The painter and theatre enthusiast says she takes inspiration from productions for many of her paintings, including the latest piece she sold based on the Octagon’s 2018 offering – And Did Those Feet.

Throughout lockdown Elaine started #Art4TheArts campaign, selling certain works from her portfolio and donating 75 per cent of the profits to the theatre whose production inspired the piece.

Now Elaine is hoping other artists will lend their support to the arts and culture industry, which has taken a hammering during the coronavirus pandemic.

Elaine Nuttall during rehearsals for Farnworth Performing Arts Company My Fair Lady

Elaine, who acted in Bolton's vibrant am-dram scene, said: “I initially had the idea at the start of lockdown because finding something to paint was limited being stuck at home. Theatre photos are always so dramatic to paint, not just onstage production photos but props, front of house, etc.

“I could see how damaging lockdown would be for the theatre industry, both professional and amateur - I thought by offering 75 per cent of the profit to each theatre I paint from would encourage other artists to contribute too.

“So far I’m delighted to say I’ve raised money for various theatres in and around Bolton, but I feel like a one-woman army and would love other artists to get involved.”

Head of development at the Octagon, Danielle Fearnley, said: “The #Art4TheArts campaign Elaine has set up to support local theatre is incredibly moving and we are truly thankful for her generous donation to The Octagon. Elaine is a wonderfully gifted artist, and to use her talent to advocate for local arts organisations and charities in this difficult time is truly inspiring.”