How a Banbury man used lockdown to rekindle his passion in art and design and start a new business

The pandemic has for many been one bad news story after another - but a Banbury man is demonstrating that it does not have to be that way.

Anthony Fowler trained as a graphic artist, but he lost his job after the local Banbury printing firm he was working for shut up shop, just as he was getting married and intending to start a family.

Determined to overcome the setback he left the industry and set up his own business cleaning and valeting cars.

After 13 years, this successful business was again devastated following the pandemic outbreak. Now with a wife working as a teaching assistant and three children at local schools his determination was to take advantage of the circumstances and rekindle his original passion in art and design.

Working on commissions, his business - Exclusive Designs - puts together rendered images of the automotive industry.

Having a passion for the natural world, he has extended his portfolio to include images of nature.

Anthony said: “I knew that the lockdown was going to be very difficult and being self-employed, hard on my family, but I also knew I had an opportunity, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have had from my family, the community and local businesses to fulfil this dream”

He is now actively working to showcase his work around the region and is determined to work with local businesses to print, frame and market and distribute his pictures.