More Artists Join Barons Court Project's Initiative

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HomeLess Made selling greeting cards and t-shirts

Big Issue seller Dave Martin excited to see his artwork as a t-shirt

The team of artists at the Barons Court Project is expanding with four new people joining the HomeLess Made social enterprise supporting people living with homelessness or mental health conditions.

The artists have created new work which features on a new range of colourful greeting cards and t-shirts, with profits from sales split 50/50 between the artist and the charity.

HomeLess Made has been selling the art of Lui Saatchi and Guan Chow as beautiful greetings cards since the first UK lockdown. The cards now sell at market stalls, at homelessmade.co.uk, and at Petit Miracles shop in Shepherd’s Bush, and in Bush Theatre. Now Lui and Guan have been joined by Mary Vallely, Michael Crosswaite, John Sheehy, and Dave Martin. The collective work with a range of different styles and media, and are provided with materials and a quiet, safe space to work once a week at the project.

Each artist has been affected by homelessness or lives with a mental health condition. They will use their talents to generate an income for themselves - and to raise money for Barons Court Project, to support others who are going through difficult times.

To celebrate the launch of the new artists, the team decided to branch out with a new product range - including brand new cards and t-shirts!

Abstract collage artist, Dave Martin, sells The Big Issue outside Tesco in Shepherd’s Bush and was excited to see his artwork as a t-shirt. He said, "Imagine I'm on my pitch and someone goes past wearing my art on a t-shirt. I'll be like - Art by Dave Martin! That's me! That will be so good."

As well as providing a huge boost to their self-esteem, being a member of the collective provides an opportunity for the artists to stand on their own two feet financially. All profits are split 50/50 between the artist and the charity. Artist Michael said “Art is therapeutic for me, and it allows me to be self-employed and earn an income. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, I’ve been struggling to sell my art because most places have been closed, and I’m on Universal Credit again. I hope things get better soon.”

Michael Crosswaite - one of the new artists joining HomeLess Made

Social Enterprise Manager, Ellie Dawes said, “It’s an honour for me to work with these experienced artists to turn their brilliant work into beautiful, affordable cards and gifts. The support we’ve received from the local community in Hammersmith and Fulham has been humbling. Please keep buying the cards and t-shirts - we really do celebrate every order!”

Bringing new artists on board with the project has been possible because of financial support from Dominvs group, who have funded HomeLess Made from the beginning and provided additional funding to support the expansion of the artist collective.

Wesley Ankrah, Director of Social Value and Community Investment says, “Dominvs in Action is thrilled to support HomeLess Made and watch the success of the project grow from strength to strength in such a short period of time. With more artists joining the programme and the release of a new product line demonstrates HomeLess Made upskilling and adding value to the Hammersmith and Fulham community through creativity and it’s a brilliant, positive initiative to be involved in.”

With Christmas round the corner, HomeLess Made are hoping that individuals and businesses in Hammersmith and Fulham will buy cards and gifts from them, to directly benefit people in their local community.

HomeLess Made is a Social Enterprise run by Barons Court Project, a drop in centre for people in Hammersmith and Fulham for people living with homelessness or a mental health condition. People can support by making a purchase at homelessmade.co.uk, or by getting in touch to discuss commissioning bespoke pieces or Christmas Cards.

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October 5, 2021