David's home is in the village of Lazonby near
Penrith. His exceptional talent was first recognised at school, and
he gained 'O' and 'A' level Art at Ullswater School, followed by a
full-time foundation course at Cumbria College of Art and Design,
Carlisle. Acceptance at St Martin's School of Art, London, led to
graduation with BA Hons Fine Art in 1976.
Returning to Penrith David developed his own
business, Eden Graphics, which undertakes a variety of commercial
and design work principally applied to client's marketing and
promotional requirements. He works with his wife Vicki,
administration and client contact, Richard Philip, computer-based
design and layout, and with other assistants and collaborators.
The span of David's personal input includes
commissions in painting, drawing, graphic design and journalism as
well as for routine commercial work. David has always had a deep
concern for Penrith and the rural community around, caring about
the vitality and prosperity of an historic market town and the
challenges for Cumbrian hill farmers, reflected in recent
projects.
For the year 2000, Eden Graphics put forward a
'Penrith Millennium Trail' to the Penrith Partnership, aimed at
communicating the history and heritage of the town and encouraging
participating pedestrians to patronise the many specialist shops.
Eight uniquely-designed and illustrated Trail leaflets were
contained in a wallet distributed through
Tourist Information Centres
and commercial outlets. Over 80 bronze waymarks are set into
pavements with a number of wall-mounted interpretation plaques
around the town. Eden District Council awarded a substantial grant,
enhanced considerably by successful sponsorship.
During 2001 Penrith and area were deeply and
tragically affected by foot and mouth disease. At the end of that
year David put forward a highly-original proposal through the
Penrith Chamber of Trade for 'A Christmas of Hope and Peace'. The
town centre was transformed by eight white angels, each with a
golden lamb in their arms, mounted high on buildings in the town
centre, together with a Jesus figure with a golden sheep over his
shoulders on the central Musgrave Monument. While funding came from
Cumbria County Council, sponsorship and donations, David and
Vicki's personal sacrifice and contribution were considerable,
helping shopkeepers with angel-themed window displays.
