Artist Chris Cyprus has donated a signed limited edition print and two jigsaws of his new oil painting ‘Old Milltown’ to homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley.

‘Old Milltown’ is a composite image of Mossley and an ode to the town in which Chris grew up in.

The artwork took three months to paint and incorporates various aspects of the post-industrial town including nature, transport, local landmarks and even Longlands Mill, home to Emmaus Mossley.

Chris said: “The painting Old Milltown incorporates all the narratives which have been a part of my life growing up in Mossley.

“The community has always been really supportive of what I do with my art.

“Donating a print to Emmaus is a way of giving back to the wider community and I’m proud to support such a fantastic charity during these really difficult times for everybody.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting.

There are currently 29 Emmaus communities across the country, supporting more than 850 companions (formerly homeless people) in the UK.

In addition, there are six Emmaus groups, all of which are working towards setting up an Emmaus community in their area.

Companions living in Emmaus communities are expected to sign off all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit, which is used to help to support the community.

The rest of the funding that is needed is generated through social enterprise and fundraising.

Chris has supported Emmaus Mossley for many years by shopping in the Secondhand Superstore and donating items to support the charity.

Based in the nearby Woodend Mill, Chris began painting following life-changing events that forced him to take stock and re-evaluate his life and career.

Chris has since gone on to become a prolific painter with a unique style and loyal international client base.

The signed limited-edition ‘Old Milltown’ print and jigsaws donated to Emmaus Mossley will be auctioned online via eBay.

Money raised from the sale of these items will go towards the charity’s recovery from loss of income as a result of multiple store closures due to the nationwide lockdowns.

Alison Hill, Director of Emmaus Mossley, said: “We are extremely grateful to Chris for his latest donation in support of our charity during this challenging period.

“The artwork is a fantastic celebration of Mossley and we’re proud that Emmaus Mossley’s home has been included in the painting.

Please visit our eBay store to bid on these items and support our charity.”

The auction of Chris Cyprus’s ‘Old Milltown’ print and jigsaws began on Monday and will run for seven days. To bid on the items visit https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/emmausmossley

To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley head to https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/.

If you would like to get involved or donate an item, call 01457 838608 or visit the store at Longlands Mill, Queen Street, Mossley OL5 9AH.

To find out more about Chris Cyprus, head to https://www.chriscyprus.com/about

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