R.I.P. Tony Hart

To two or three generations of British children, the Stanley Myers classic "Cavatina" evokes memories - not of the Robert De Niro film, "The Deer Hunter", but of a small white-haired artist with a gentle, friendly demeanour, smiling as he waved a pencil and saying "And now, it's time for the Gallery."

Tony Hart was an inspiration for a whole generation of children who picked up pencil or paint; he appeared on and presented children's art programmes for nearly 50 years, Take Hart and Hartbeat amongst them. He would teach new techniques, remind us of old ones with a new twist - and of course, there was the Gallery, when viewers' pictures would be put on display - and you'd watch avidly, perhaps dreaming of one day seeing your picture featured briefly for a few seconds or, as I did, squeeing delightedly when that dream finally came true one day. 

Sadly, due to ill health, he had to retire in 2001, and then a couple of years ago he was devastated when he was robbed of the ability to draw following two strokes.

He has now passed away at the age of 83. He will be very sadly missed.