One of Cyril Parfitt's extraordinary drawings - on display at the Old Custom House in Ramsgate

by Peter Barnett

A drawing consisting of more than six million pencil strokes and which took more than 700 hours to complete is on show at The Old Custom House at Ramsgate seafront this weekend as part of a 'taster' exhibition of the work of artist Cyril Parfitt (pictured below).

Called Looking Back, it is among many of his pieces of artwork selected by the Royal Academy, who aclaimed it as 'an amazing technical feat'.

At 96 he has produced a huge array and variety of work and he is still creating his mini magical masterpieces today at his home in Ramsgate.

On display upstairs at the venue will be colourful fantasy pieces - worlds and visions, never mundane always original and inventive - worked in airbrush and gouache, pencil drawings, balloon pictures, and some traditional works. They are a small selection from the many genres of work he has produced.

A spokeswoman for the exhibition said: "Cyril is particularly inspired by the 'Turner' skies over Thanet and he has started to incorporate them into some of his work. He is is delighted to see the Turner Gallery taking shape and looks with interest to the artistic endeavours of the local area to assist the regeneration of this beautiful part of the country."

His work has been sold and exhibited all over the world and the internet has allowed it once more to be enjoyed far and wide. Grandson Freddie Ryder, based in Thanet, has been working on marketing Cyril's work and currently cards featuring his paintings are available with prints and merchandise on the way.

Seldom seen without pencil and paper, even when confined to a hospital bed, Cyril is always creating images of his own fantasy world. Many of the nurses in QEQM at Margate have drawings he made during his spells on the wards and he would be especially happy to see any of them and their owners again at the exhibition.

Simply Cyril - A Taster Exhibition can be explored on Saturday (August 21) from 11am to 6pm and Sunday (August 22) from 11am to 4pm.

For more information, visit www.cyrilparfitt.co.uk and or telephone 07749 572388.