Roald Dahl illustrator Sir Quentin Blake designs GIFT mugs in aid of NHS

Iconic cartoonist Sir Quentin Blake, best known for illustrating some of Roald Dahl’s most popular children’s books, has teamed up with the Jewish charity GIFT in aid of the National Health Service.

The artist, who painted Dahl’s book-loving Matilda and kooky inventor Willy Wonka, designed mugs in aid of NHS Charities Together, a federation of more than 250 NHS charities.

The lifestyle brand Skinny Dip London, owned by former Immanuel College pupils Richard and James Gold and Lewis Blitz, is also taking part -marketing the three £20 mugs on its e-commerce platform.

The project was spearheaded by entrepreneurs Howard and Beverley Calvert, who led GIFT’s NHS-OS initiative, in which beauty and food brands donated thousands of items to health and care workers across London.

“As lockdown eases, and many return to work, what better way to show our friends and colleagues that we supported the NHS, than by toasting them with a cup of tea or coffee each and every day, and with that iconic symbol on the side of our mug for all to see, knowing we donated in solidarity,” Beverley said.

GIFT’s services manager and senior educator Shira Joseph said it had been a “privilege and a pleasure” to work with the St John’s Wood couple on the NHS-OS initiative.

“They are a true example of a couple who not only had a big idea, but they did all it took to make it happen. It has been great to be a part of a big fundraising initiative for the NHS from within the Jewish community,” she said.

Ellie Orton, the chief executive of NHS Charities Together, who grew up with “Roald Dahl and Sir Quentin’s illustrations”, praised the “incredible fundraising initiative.”

“You get to own a lovely piece of art and raise money to support NHS staff, volunteers and patients at the same time. Buy one as a thank you for someone who has been there for you during the pandemic, then join the rest of the nation for a collective moment of thanks on the NHS’s birthday on Sunday 5 July,” she said.

Mugs are available for £20 each on www.skinnydiplondon.com/nhs.