Angela Knowles, a talented Career Artist and Illustrator from Cheltenham, dedicated her life to caring for others. As a Mother, Wife, and Friend, she viewed the world with deep empathy, bringing joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her.8 years after her passing in 2017, The Angela Knowles Young Artists Charity was established to honour her legacy. Angela’s memory continues to inspire everything we strive to achieve as an organisation.Our mission is simple: to do what is right, necessary, and effective in supporting children living in harsh and challenging conditions. We aim to restore what conflict and instability have taken from them – a sense of play, agency, and identity for the children who need it most.Headed up by a small group of Trustees and volunteers in the UK, we are a small Charity with Global Ambition.
Who we are
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Founder / Chair Trustee
Inspired by the memory of my late mother, Angela Knowles, a talented illustrator known for her selfless spirit, I am immensely proud to be able to start this charitable journey with our wonderful team!
With a background of over a decade of military service, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by children in conflict, often deprived of basic resources and opportunities. The culmination of these experiences, paired with memories of my mother and a wish to bring a positive impact to our world, has underlined the importance of supporting the disadvantaged. I feel an immense personal obligation to help.
Within any conflict, children are innocent. On this basis, my fellow Trustees and I believe that we must do what we can to protect that innocence, whilst providing them with the joy that every child deserves. By providing arts and crafts supplies to these vulnerable groups, the charity seeks to offer them a sense of hope and happiness amidst challenging circumstances.
Drawn from my own love for photography and drawing as a therapeutic outlet, I deeply resonate with the transformative power that art can bring in alleviating stress and mental hardship. Through the charity's initiatives, our vision is to provide a creative platform for children to express themselves, heal, and find solace amid adversity.
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Charity Trustee
A bubbly and confident young woman from Cheltenham, I’ve grown up alongside the charity’s founder, a close family friend of many years. Its a privilege to now be part of an organisation designed to give back to those who need it most, all while working along side a team of driven, caring individuals.
While my professional background is in the software space, I’m passionate about giving back and can’t wait to get stuck into the charity’s work. I’m proud to support a cause so close to home and heart, helping to make a real difference.
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Charity Trustee
Having joined The Angela Knowles Young Artists Charity in 2025, I’m immensely excited to get involved with work in different areas. As a hobbyist photographer with a passion for the Arts, for me, this is an incredibly important cause.
After nearly a decade working in challenging environments around the world, I’ve seen first hand how valuable creativity and expression can be. While I’m new to the charity sector, I am looking forward to learning quickly and helping to establish this new charity with such an amazing team!