A BARNARD Castle artist’s humorous depiction of Dominic Cummings outside an opticians in town has raised £1,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Last year, Leonardo Casey raised more than a smile when he created the acrylic painting of the former Government advisor who landed in hot water after admitting visiting Barney during lockdown to “test his eyesight” .
After his painting received a lot attention Mr Casey decided to cash in.
He sold postcard prints and mugs, and even created a selfie booth where, for a donation, people could take a photo of themselves and Cummings, to raise money for charity.
The “Cummings Effect” meant Mr Casey was able to hand over a £1,000 cheque to Guide Dogs for the Blind – outside the opticians featured in his painting.
He said: “Everyone has been so supportive and it’s great that it still causes a bit of a giggle.
“I think the Guide Dogs charity is such a worthy cause and hopefully the money will make a difference.”
Norma Hildon, treasurer of the Darlington branch of the charity, said: “It means a lot to us because we weren’t able to raise much over the last two years and it is nice for it to come out of the blue.”
Guide dogs seven-month-old Sunny and four-year-year-old Tyser, named after former England footballer and one of the charity’s ambassadors Dave Thomas, from Lartington, popped along for the presentation.
