Nestled between cafes, pizza restaurants and chippies on Lee Road sits the Artful Pelican gallery. Its multicoloured shop front catches your eye immediately as you walk past, but it is the gallery’s dedication to the homeless that makes it so unique.
The Artful Pelican was opened four years ago by 60-year-old David Coombes, who has worked with charities his entire career.
“My Father started the Coombe Trust Fund in 1957. We have holiday homes in Westgate-on-Sea where we provide holidays for underprivileged families,” Mr Coombes explained.
Fifteen years ago, he added to the family’s charitable legacy and founded Street Souls, which is dedicated to helping the homeless.
“It started because I knew people who were involved with the 999 Club in Deptford,” he told News Shopper. “I used to go down there and volunteer and it interested me.”
The back room of the gallery is full of donations that will be given out to the homeless in Westminster
Mr Coombes was inspired to open the Artful Pelican gallery while he was working to help a struggling artist, David Hardy, into housing.
“He had just been made homeless through no fault of his own.
“He was very down and I happened to find out he was an artist – and a very good artist at that.
“I said to him, “What’s your dream, Dave?” and he said, “To open a gallery.” So I thought, “Let’s do it then.”"
Mr Hardy, who is now back on his feet and living in north west London, went on to produce several commissioned pieces for the gallery.
“The whole ethos of the gallery is to support the homeless. At least 30 per cent of the profits from each sale goes to the charity – although quite often it’s 100 per cent.”
The front room of The Artful Pelican is filled with an array of canvases, sculptures and prints from artists of all backgrounds.
The gallery is packed with artwork from various artists
But it also doubles up as a studio for homeless people and those with severe mental illness to create their own artwork – with all materials provided.
“It’s been hugely beneficial for them,” Mr Coombes said.
Rick Clarke, an artist from Orpington, started working with the Artful Pelican about a year ago after spotting the gallery while driving down Lee Road.
He now displays his artwork, which combines the modern-day with fairy tale scenes, in the gallery.
“It’s really unusual. Most art galleries are fine, but this whole place is set up with the entire purpose of making things happen for people. All of the profit goes directly to the people,” he told News Shopper.
About three times a month, Mr Coombes travels to different places with vans full of donated clothes and practical items which he hands out to the homeless in the area.
He also takes food vans, which provide a range of free hot meals for people in need.
“My view is, if you’re going to do something to help, don’t just throw money at it – get involved,” he said.
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