Timmy Mallett to exhibit paintings in Weybridge

Feb 13 2009 By Vicki Eltis

Children's TV star Timmy Mallett will swap his famous mallet for a pallette next Saturday when he exhibits his artwork in Weybridge.

Timmy, who rose to fame on popular children's entertainment show Wackaday in the 1980s, and more recently starred in ITV's jungle reality TV show I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here', will paint a picture of the town and surrounding areas for the exhibition at The Wyecliffe Gallery in Queens Road on February 21.

Timmy's love for painting came at an early age when his dad, also a keen painter, would encourage him.

Later he studied history of art as part of his degree at Warwick University, and he's now taking his painting very seriously.

Timmy, from Berkshire, paints English landscapes in acrylics. He said: "I used to take paints on filming trips, like on Wackaday, and when I got my paints out behind the scenes everyone was like 'it's time for a cuppa'.

"Now I'm painting more seriously and I often paint in my studio at home most afternoons.

"I really enjoy painting. You know when you go away and say 'oh that's a nice view', well you can see lots of great views right outside your window."

Famous for his wacky glasses and bright shirts, it's no surprise Timmy is inspired by colours.

He explained: "I love colourful paintings and just seeing colour. You can see colour in the seasons, even on a snowy, grey day I can see colour and moods."

For over a year gallery owner, Ben Fry, has had a keen interest in Timmy's artwork.

He said: "He's a hugely talented artist. The hype surrounding his work reminds me of when we first took on his friend, Rolf Harris's paintings. Both are clearly talented artists whose work has mass appeal.

"Timmy has sent me over some photographs of what he is working on for the show, and I can honestly say it's his best paintings yet. For us it's a great opportunity to work with an up and coming artist whose art is so assessable and has so much potential."

Timmy will also display artwork inspired from his time in the jungle, including some where he has used the paper bark that his food came wrapped in, as trees.

Artist Rolf Harris, who Timmy Mallett has enjoyed a keen artistic friendship with, said: "He is an enthusiastic and exciting artist. I'm knocked out by his work."

Timmy Mallett will give a talk on his work at the gallery at 1pm.

¥ If there is a particular part of Weybridge you think Timmy Mallett should paint email us