Illustrator David Robinson hosting Preston city centre exhibition

Dave will be exhibiting images of some of his favourite places in Lancashire, such as Fairhaven Lake Pic Dave Rob

An illustrator from Preston is set to exhibit new work at his first exhibition in the city. Known for his beautiful digital illustrations of Preston’s local landmarks and parks, Dave Robinson will be exhibiting images from across Lancashire at The Larder, opening on Tuesday 6th December 2022. We caught up with him to find out more.

Congratulations on your exhibition at The Larder, have you exhibited your work before?

No, this is my first exhibition, although I have shown a couple of pieces in The Harris open over the years, so I’m excited and nervous to be doing this!

The exhibition focuses on Lancashire, do you have a favourite place in the county to illustrate?

Being a Proud Prestonian I have to say Preston. I had an idea for a sole Preston project for this exhibition but I need to do more research, so I’m saving it for the next one if the Larder will have me back!

How many images will you be showing at the exhibition?

Eleven new ones as part of the Year in Lancashire. They take ages to draw, I would have liked to have done more. I think I’ll be showing some of my other work as well.

As freelancer, David Robinson has worked with a number of high profile clients. Pic Dave Robinson

Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a designer and illustrator, did you study illustration?

I trained as a Graphic Designer and got my degree from Blackpool College. When I was working at a design agency, I noticed I was gravitating more toward illustration and animation, rather than design, and so with the support of my wife Michelle, I went freelance. I love doing this as it gives me lots of freedom to do different projects. Plus, when the children were younger, I got to spend a lot of time with them and work around them.

What inspires you about the local area?

Oh wow, where do I start? I think we are very lucky where we are in terms of what we have in Preston, landmark buildings such as the Bus Station, Miller Arcade, The Harris – all beautiful, but also the parks and gardens and places like Winckley Square, Avenham and Miller Parks and Beacon Fell. Up the road we have Lytham, St Annes and Fairhaven as well which we go to a lot.

When people buy my prints, I notice they are very passionate and enthusiastic about Preston.

Dave will be exhibiting eleven new images featuring some beautiful scenes in Lancashire, as well as some of his other work. Pic Dave Rob

You also illustrate people, tell us about some of the projects you’ve worked on.

I tend to draw people more for fun, birthday presents, and so on.

As a freelancer, my day job, I’ve worked with House of Fraser, The BBC, The NHS, University of Central Lancashire, Sport Wales, Preston North End and Regatta, and Transport for London. Usually doing illustration or animation work.

I have a project I’m working on at the moment which I’ll share with you in the new year. I have been working on it for a couple of years, hopefully, it’s going to be massive!

Where do you sell your prints, cards, and products?

I think I’m in about 20 shops now. The Harris, Barton Grange, Stringers in Lytham, Conway Cards in Garstang, Macmillans in Penwortham plus quite a few others.