Some paintings are a lifetime in the making; a tiny spark which ignited in a waking or dreamt thought, years before the brush ever touched the canvas. In the case of Sweets and Treats by Kerry Darlington, the concept - partially inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - of an eccentric factory floor, filled with pipes, cogs and wheels churning to produce a dazzling array of confectionery was born in a small ink drawn pencil sketch when the artist was yet to make her name as one of the bestselling contemporary artists of her generation. Highly detailed and influenced by a passion for steampunk, the delicate yet crammed sketch was gifted to the artists sister over 23 years ago.
To say this work is eagerly awaited is an understatement: quite possibly the most anticipated subject ever, rumours of a work inspired by Roald Dahl’s iconic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have been swirling ever since Kerry herself shared an image of this early drawing on her social channels over two years ago, immediately setting the rumour mill alight.