Man who lost job due to coronavirus wows Tooting residents with 'brilliant' sketch of area's landmarks

A family man who lost his job in the theatre industry due to COVID-19 has wowed Tooting residents with his drawing of the area.

Abraham Amith turned to drawing and jewellery making to keep him and his family supported until the theatre industry finds some normality.

Abraham said: "As a father of two beautiful daughters Sofia (4) and Sara-Rose (2 months) this uncertain future for my family has been extraordinarily stressful and worrying.

"I hope my art will create something enduring for people to keep and enjoy for years, as well as bring a little joy to everyone."

Abraham was born at St George's Hospital and is a frequent visitor of Tooting. The buildings featured in the sketch are some of his favourites.

Abraham said: "I read up on the history and added the dates of when they where built. I posted it on the Tooting History Group and I Grew Up In Tooting just to get feedback and ended up with loads of likes and reactions.

"It was so lovely to hear people talk about the area they grew up in and the fond memories they have of Tooting."

Abraham has seen many of his friends struggling with depression and finding it hard to secure work so set himself the task of helping.

"I thought I'd start sketching Westend theatres and give twenty percent of my sales to the Amazing Actors Benevolent Fund who support actors in need," Abraham said.

"I opened an Etsy page, Twitter and Instagram and tried getting the message out there.

"It's slow but positive."

Abraham has sketched other locations as well as Tooting, including his local area of Wimbledon and Colliers Wood.

Abraham continued: "I started with Colliers Wood and the reaction was amazing.

"I raised some money for Jigsaw4U and then I sketched Wimbledon and the reaction was phenomenal. The people were so kind and I sold quite a few prints over Christmas."

You can find more of Abraham's art here.