Lovely Jubbly!
A TV and film fanatic from Dunshaughlin who uses art to cope with a chronic pain condition that often leaves him bed-bound describes meeting his childhood hero Sir David Jason on the iconic Only Fools and Horses set as a ‘dream come true.’
Movie buff Sean Purcell (47) who creates art pieces based on iconic 80s film and TV shows has had his work signed by some of Hollywood’s biggest A-list stars including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Mike Tyson.
The Dunshaughlin artist had briefly met The Del Boy actor at an event some years back and even had his Only Fools and Horses montage signed by the icon but says to have the chance to get a picture with his idol was the ‘icing on the cake.’
He said:
“I had gotten the news that Sir David was going to be doing a very rare public appearance, something he was doing it to raise funds for charity.
Sean with Sue Holdnerness and John Challis who played Marlene and Boycie in the show
“I eventually secured a ticket to the event just outside London so I flew over. It was just great to sit down with him and he even remembered my painting.
“They had recreated the actual set of Only Fools and Horses, it was amazing to be on it with him.
“I was chatting to him for a few minutes. He is a complete gentleman, very humble, very down to earth and good humoured.
“The fact that he had signed my painting it was lovely to finally get a photo with him.
“He’s iconic, to be able to meet him at talk to him was just unbelievable.”
“I also got a picture with Sue Holdnerness and John Challis who played Marlene and Boycie in the show.
“It was in February just before Covid 19 started to shut all these kind of events down so if it had been a few weeks later it would never have materialized.”
It was a poignant moment for artist Sean as his tribute to the cult 80s TV show was the first painting he created after being diagnosed with Chronic Neuropathic Pain and after a 20 year break from art.
The Dunshaughlin artist with Sir David Jason and his Only Fools and Horses Montage
“One of the first pieces I took on was an ‘Only Fools and Horses’ montage. I have met all the cast who signed the piece.
“One day I arrived at Pinewood Studios and I walked into the reception with the painting under my arm.
“The woman at reception saw the painting and made a phone call to the ‘Still Open All Hours’ set.
“Sir David’s PA said I am going to have to show this to David it would be a travesty if he didn’t sign it so sure enough he brought it away and Sir David signed it.
“An hour later I got a phone call asking if I would like to join them for the live recording of ‘Still Open All Hours.’
“It turned out to be the last ever live recording to be made in Pinewood Studios, they were knocking the building the next morning so I ended up being a part of history.”
Sean’s diagnoses has had a devastating effect on his life but he is determined not to let it stop him from doing what he loves.
“I have a big appreciation for film and TV and how they are made behind the scenes.
Rubbling shoulders with the stars: Sly Stallone and Sean Purcell
“When I got sick, I spent a lot of time in bed and film and TV helped keep me sane.
“I lost the power in my arms and shortly after that, pain developed all over my body.
“I was in a very dark place because I thought I’m that ill, it’s lights out, I’m literally dying here.
“If I’m doing a painting I have to load up on medication to try and get through it but I pay the price, I could be bed-bound for a week after.
The Dunshaughlin artist say that networking and his social media platform for his work is what got him up close and personal with so many A-list stars.
“I was invited to a charity black-tie event in Cardiff last year where Arnold Schwarzenegger was making an appearance and I got a photo with him and he signed my painting.
“At another event, I asked Sylvester Stallone if he would sign my work and he said yes but again security was stepping in and trying to not let it happen but he did it. He was such a nice guy”