Darren Baker Exhibition Private View
College Principal, Michele Sutton OBE, welcomed a large and enthusiastic gathering of honoured guests, including the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Cllr John and Jean Godward, and many keen collectors and art lovers, to the private view of Darren Baker's exhibition on 10th November.
Michele explained that she had wanted to do something very special to mark the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Lister Building (which now houses the School of Arts & Media and the Yorkshire Craft Centre) and so the College’s brightest young star to emerge from this building in recent times had been asked to hold a retrospective. In a warm speech she outlined Darren’s remarkable career since his degree days at Bradford College and congratulated him on a wonderful exhibition and his recent marriage to Abigail.
Darren said simply, “Thanks to Bradford College for inviting me to hold this exhibition. I feel very honoured. When I was studying here I never would have imagined that one day I would have an exhibition here. I am really fond of the College and all the people here and I am thrilled to bits. I want to thank all my wonderful family, friends, and customers who have turned up to support me.”
The overwhelming feelings at the reception were incredulity at Darren’s incredible ability and absolute pride.The affection he is held in by his clients, many of whom generously lent work for the exhibition, was evident on the night. Darren’s success is so touching as it is so well deserved and also because he remains totally unspoilt by acclaim and celebrity or royal commissions.
Darren’s father revealed, “I have no idea where his artistic talent came from. It certainly doesn’t run in the family! The first clue we had was when he was six and I spotted the Ashley Jackson competition in the Huddersfield Examiner. I told him to have a go and he won. He went to study in Cambridge but after about seven weeks he phoned up and said ‘This isn’t what I want.’ I told him not to bother and that I would be there to pick him up the next morning. So he did the Art Foundation in Huddersfield for a year and then came to Bradford for three years for his degree. It was when he came to Bradford College that I saw him blossom. Darren has never driven so I have taken him the length and breadth of the country, and done anything he wanted. I have met lots of sportsmen and women and people like Alec Ferguson along the way.”
Darren’s mother disclosed, “Everyone looks at Darren’s success and thinks he was an overnight sensation and everything just happened because he was talented. They don’t realise how tough it has been or the setbacks he has had along the way. There have been times when he was discouraged and talked of giving up. His Dad and I said ‘You can't give up now. You are too good.’ I know how hard he has worked to get where he is. He stayed up painting until the early hours for years. He lived and breathed it 24/7. He missed all his youth trying to make his name and now he is so busy because everyone wants him to do things. ”
Andrew Farley, Head of Fundraising for the Prince’s Trust in Yorkshire said “The Prince’s Trust gave Darren a grant to set up in business as an artist and he always gives back to the charity and supports us. We are so proud of what he has achieved. He is a fantastic man.”
Darren is truly a local hero.
You can see more images of this fabulous occasion here