As part of the legacy of the Voyager 2000: Worldbeing & Wonder? exhibition, artist David Downes from Manningtree will be drawing Colchester’s iconic heritage site, Jumbo, live at Firstsite!

This event will be held during the Firstsite Artist Fair.

It offers a unique opportunity to witness the creative process in action while celebrating neurodiversity, place and contemporary art.

About David Downes

David Downes, is an English landscape painter known for his vast skies, beautiful seascapes, and complex architectural drawings.

He has a photographic memory, which he puts down to being autistic. He can recall the places he has visited in brilliant detail and paint them from his recollections.

David is also vice president of the U.K.’s of the National Autistic Society and he is an Ambassador for Autism Anglia. David regularly speaks on behalf of the charity and paints live at fundraising events.

He lived and worked in California for three years. Originally from Suffolk, England, David now has his own gallery, ‘David Downes Gallery’ in Manningtree, Essex, England.

Please note: David Downes Drawing Live will be a filmed event. Due to filming David will be sporadically in and out of the event.

By visiting the space of this event, you consent to any filming, photography, audio or digital capture of your image, or those in your care by the production team and Firstsite for future use as explained in our release forms.

If you’d prefer not to be recorded during the event, just let a member of our team know when you arrive.

Social Story

Click the button below to download a Social Story, which is a guide with photos and a description of a journey through the Firstsite building to support your visit to the exhibitions.

Support

• Advice and guidance for autistic people and families – National Autistic Society – www.autism.org.uk
• Advice and support for people and families with SEND: SENDIASS – www.essexsendiass.co.uk
• LGBTQ+ support service – Outhouse – www.theouthouse.org.uk
• Sexual heath advice, testing, and support – Essex Sexual Health Service – www.essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk
• Support for male and non-binary sexual assault survivors – SurvivorsUK – www.survivorsuk.org
• Eating disorder support – BEAT – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
• Mental health advice and support – MIND – www.mind.org.uk

If you have specific accessibility needs or feedback, please email us at info@firstsite.uk. We’re here to help and ensure your visit is enjoyable and welcoming.