Jeff Parr| Français

Born in St Helens, Lancashire in 1947, my cycling passion started at the age of 11 with Prescot Road Club, and I had my first race at 13. Always encouraged to draw and paint by my mother, I studied fine art at Wigan School of Art and then graphic design at Preston School of Art (now the University of Lancashire).

After graduation I moved to London and worked as a freelance fine artist, graphic designer and film animator. My work included the design and painting of specialised scenic/set paintings for the Royal Shakespeare Company (London and Stratford-on-Avon), Royal Opera House, Madame Tussauds (London and Amsterdam), the London Planetarium and the original Andrew Lloyd-Webber London production of Evita. My cycling passion continued throughout this period as a racing member of Bromley Cycling Club.

Following a move to Yorkshire Television in Leeds as a graphic designer, I raced with Yorkshire Road Club and then, for over 17 years, the Airedale Olympic Cycling Club.

In 1973 my passion was further engrained by the life-changing experience of a motoring holiday following the Tour de France. Many years of reading about the Tour exploits did not compare to witnessing the actual event. This prompted visits to many Classics in Europe and more holidays based around the Tour de France together with my bike and sketchbook.

My painting skills were in constant demand at Yorkshire Television in addition to my graphic design and animation work. I redesigned the Yorkshire Television station ident animation and won many awards and accolades for my graphic design title and promotional sequences, with examples of my work featured in the publications ‘Computer Graphics Systems and Concepts’ and ‘Television Graphics’.

In December, 2001 I was able to realise a long-held dream to live amongst the legendary alps where the velo is king. Now, able to paint and draw full time, the concept of Velo Art was born, combining my two passions while enjoying the Tours de France and other stage races virtually on my doorstep. And Velo Club Yenne can now boast international status with their first English member.