Stansfield Bridge Club has hit on an artistic way to raise money towards the cost of sending England's four junior teams to the World Youth Team Championships in August.
A limited edition print of a mesmerising bridge scene - entitled 'Dr Double' - by Rui Paes, an acclaimed painter, illustrator and muralist, is being offered for sale with all the profits going to support the junior teams. This is in addition to a donation from the club's own funds, and a further contribution through a raffle.
We are very grateful to all involved for their donation and for making this novel method of fundraising possible.
The prints will be signed by the artist in a limited edition numbered 1 to 500. Anyone wishing to purchase a mounted print (measuring 14½" x 11"), and in so doing give support to the junior teams, should place an order through Stansfield BC's website. The cost is £25 + post and packaging.
About the artist and the painting
Rui is a member of Stansfield Bridge Club, and an acclaimed painter, illustrator and muralist. His work is represented all over the world (see www.ruipaes.com). He illustrated the children's book, 'Lotsa de Casha,' by Madonna which was published in 40 languages in more than 100 countries and made the Top 10 New York Times Best Seller List.
'Dr Double' captures the drama as a player prepares to deliver the X card.
Rui explains: "The dynamic and rhythm of the composition represent the agility of mind necessary when negotiating the, sometimes, intricate bidding of a bridge hand.
"Dr. Double is in a tight spot. He has to make a decision.
"Behind his back, he pushes out his favoured ‘double’ card in an arm twisting manoeuvre - a depiction of his train of thoughts which he quietly shares with the viewer, making you his accomplice."
Richard Evans, chairman of Stansfield Bridge Club, says: "If you google 'bridge art' you get loads of images of steel structures spanning assorted roads, waterways and valleys around the globe, but few, if any, depicting the card game - which makes Dr Double all the more remarkable.
"In his formative years as a player, Rui gained the sobriquet 'Dr Double' at Stansfield owing to the frequency with which he reached for the double card - and that provided the inspiration for this painting.
"Rui came up with the idea of a limited print edition and when we saw the EBU appeal for funds to support England's junior teams we thought this could help."
January 11, 2018