New calendar supports King’s Lynn Arts Centre

Now run by an independent trust, the centre has teamed up with artist Jim Aitchison, who has produced a series of drawings based on the history of the site.

Stretching towards the river from King Street, near the Tuesday Market Place, the Arts Centre complex includes the Guildhall of St George, the largest surviving medieval guildhall in England.

One of its galleries was once a theatre, where Shakepeare is said to have once performed.

Mr Aitchison has been living and working in Norfolk for more than 10 years.

He has been associated with the Arts Centre most of that time, either exhibiting, leading workshops or taking part in projects.

Liz Falconbridge, director of the King's Lynn Arts Centre Trust, said: 'Jim did not hesitate for a second to take up the challenge of capturing, in his popular tongue-in-cheek manner, the fascinating and varied history of the medieval site.

'We were thrilled at his interpretation.

'We especially liked the cheeky rat that pops up each month in a new guise as we can see him really appealing to children.

'Jim was provided with a potted history and in a matter of days he had conjured up some terrific cartoons that are historically accurate, informative, but most of all fun.'

Ms Falconbridge said she hoped that the limited edition calendar, which has a print run of 500, would become a collector's item.

The Arts Centre Trust took over the running of the venue earlier this year.

Members of the local arts community rallied round after West Norfolk council, which ran the venue, said it was considering closing it to save �120,000. But supporters were given the opportunity to draw up a business plan, detailing how they would run the centre.

And councillors agreed to hand it over to the trust after deciding that the business plan was viable.

The EDP broke the news that the centre had been saved last Christmas Eve.

Copies of the calendar are on sale at the Arts Centre or can be ordered by calling 01553 779095.