Anthony Burrill, Rose Blake and Supermundane lend their talents to the British Red Cross

A marvellous collection of illustrators and designers including Anthony Burrill, Rose Blake, Rob Flowers, Yukai Du and Supermundane have created artworks for the British Red Cross and its heartwarming new campaign by VCCP, Kindness Will Keep Us Together. Each demonstrating the individual artist’s personal aesthetic, from Blake’s endearing characters to Burrill’s giant letterforms, the artworks spread the message in their own special way. Black and white versions of the images will be available to download, colour in and share on social media or in front windows, while prints will be sold to raise funds for the charity. Other contributing artists include Ruby Taylor, Timothy Hunt, Nina Cosford, Bett Norris, Cajsa Holgersson and Oli Frape.

Briefed to “create a national call for kindness,” Burrill tells It’s Nice That he wanted to “produce a piece of work that connects with as many people as possible. Being kind makes you feel good; be kind to your family, your friends and people you don’t know. If we’re all a bit kinder to each other we’ll get through this time feeling better about our fellow humans”. His artwork uses letterpress typography laid out simply to create a poster with maximum visual impact. “The words are powerful and speak of our shared humanity,” he continues. “We are all part of a wider community and need to be a bit more caring and thoughtful with each other. None of us has lived through a time like this before. It’s scary and bewildering, let’s help each other as best we can. This time will give us a moment for reflection that might point out a way to a fairer more inclusive society in the future.”

Ruby Taylor’s contribution interweaves a collection of relevant motifs such as a rainbow, handwritten letter, a doctor’s stethoscope and a loo roll, with large hand-drawn type. “The aim was to spread a positive message in this strange and uncertain time,” she tells us. “First and foremost I wanted the phrase to be loud and clear. I wanted the illustration to reflect the message of kindness, and make sure everyone could see something in which they relate to.” The illustrations are therefore based on acts of kindness, things that people can do, “whether that’s letting someone know you’re thinking of them, picking up shopping for a vulnerable neighbour, or just doing your bit and staying home, to things like the incredible effort and sacrifice our NHS staff are making. I wanted to keep things fairly lighthearted and hopefully put a little positive spin on quite a dark time.”

Zoë Abrams, executive director at the British Red Cross, adds in a statement: “Today as our nation faces this virus, we want these inspirational artworks to encourage people to take action and join our kindness movement. Remember that though you may be anxious and uncertain, you are not powerless and you are not alone.” So far over 50,000 people have signed up as community reserve volunteers for the British Red Cross – find out more on its website, and download and buy the artworks on the charity’s shop.