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Peter Howson and the Scottish Bible Society: a partnership made in heaven
Since Peter Howson’s conversion and rehabilitation in 2000, he has given thousands of pounds to mental health charities and rehabilitation projects for alcoholics and drug addicts. Now a committed member of a church in Glasgow, he has also rediscovered the beauty and power of the Bible, drawing attention to its themes with his stirring depictions of Christ and the disciples, and lost, lonely figures in search of redemption. It is providential, therefore, that he has become a valued supporter of the Scottish Bible Society, which shares his view of the largely forgotten but fundamental role of the Bible as a much-needed anchor for a world gone badly adrift. During the Edinburgh Festival in August, an exhibition of Howson’s work was held. New paintings Inspired by the Bible (the exhibition’s title) rubbed shoulders with older ones and signed prints. Prices of items for sale began at £450 and a percentage of the money raised by the nine pictures that were sold – and of the catalogues – went to the Society. There were also benefits in educational terms. As it happens, the Society’s Chief Executive, Doug Campbell, studied history of art before undertaking theological training. He met Howson through one of the Society’s trustees and the artist indicated that he would be willing to offer the Society his services. Mr Campbell was naturally delighted that the exhibition was the result. “His paintings convey a power and transcendence that convict us to look beyond the story and to experience the capacity of God to transform lives,” he wrote in his foreword to the catalogue. “People are not coming to us to ask to read the Bible, so we have to take it to them in whatever way we can,” he added. “The power of Peter’s work and the strength of his faith together create an incredibly strong message, and we hope that people will be influenced to look again at the Bible.” (WR 389/14 - 12.04/01.05) |
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