Johnny Vegas spotted at Lymm art gallery for new exhibition

The 54-year-old, from Thatto Heath, St Helens perhaps best known for his wit and dry humour, but one little known fact about him is his connection to the art world.

Before his incredible success in comedy, Johnny studied Art and Ceramics at Middlesex University, in London.

When his career began taking off, however, it seemed as though the comedian left the art world behind.

That was until the Channel 4 show, Grayson Perry’s Art Club, which saw the 54-year-old create a stunning sculpture of a boy called Norman.

“I wanted to do something about a young lad who I used to see on the school run when I took my son to school,” Johnny has since said about the sculpture.

“He broke my heart on a daily basis because he was just me. I so often wanted to stop him and say, ‘Look, things do work out.’

“So, it’s about having faith in your own dreams and quiet ambitions. I’m smitten with him.”

This, as well as his recent ADHD diagnosis, inspired Johnny to pick up his art supplies once again.

Together with Emma Rodgers, a sculpturer from Liverpool who has been mentoring the 54-year-old, Johnny has created an exhibition of work.

Affinity, which is being exhibited at Blackmore Gallery inside Collect Art on The Cross in Lymm, is made up of sculptures from the pair and some of Johnny’s drawings.

The 54-year-old made an appearance at the gallery on Friday.

Speaking to the Star’s sister title, the Warrington Guardian, the owner of Blackmore Gallery, Raffi Der Haroutunian, spoke of how ‘down to earth’ the comedian really is.

Johnny has put on the exhibition with Emma Rodgers (Image: Supplied)“He was amazing, he’s such a great guy,” he said.

“When word got round, which was very quickly as you can imagine, there were hordes of school kids stood outside the door while the exhibition was going on.

“He very kindly came out very quickly to have photos with them. Honestly, he was absolutely brilliant, chatted away to everybody.

“I just thought he was a down to earth bloke.”

The exhibition, which will be open until November 23, features the pair’s beautiful art – some of which is available to buy, including a bronze version of the sculpture Johnny made on Channel 4.