We’ve teamed up with X Factor winner Sam Bailey and a renowned artist for an exciting art project inspired by Tommy, Sam’s autistic son. We hope this will get more people talking about autism and also raise vital funds for our charity. 

Introducing Tommy McCoo

Tommy McCoo is a new artwork series from popular Scottish artist Steven Brown, famous for his vibrant and colourful ‘McCoo’ highland cow collections. It was designed alongside mum-of-three Sam Bailey and our charity, and produced in honour of her 12-year-old son Tommy. Tommy was diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia last year, after a long journey of Sam trying to find answers for her son.

Friends for many years, Sam and Steven began discussions around an original piece for Tommy following his diagnosis last year. Steven was inspired to design a piece for Tommy that he could use an escape from the world around him. 

Etched with iconic, colourful strokes in the National Autistic Society’s spectrum colours against a soft, grey background, Tommy McCoo has been designed to reflect the autism spectrum - and to celebrate Tommy and the 700,000 people who are autistic in the UK. It also includes an infinity symbol on Tommy’s cap which represents neurodiversity.  

With Tommy’s artwork project thrust firmly into the public sphere, it is hoped that this personal story can shine further spotlight on autism. The joint partnership will also see 5% of the proceeds from the Tommy McCoo series go to our charity, to help our vital work in creating a society that works for autistic people. 

Reaction

Sam Bailey said: “I couldn’t be happier with the final piece and Tommy absolutely loves it.

“What we’re really trying to do here is not only help and celebrate Tommy, but also others following a similar path. We struggled understanding Tommy’s behaviour for a number of years prior to his diagnosis. When I look back, with the knowledge I now have, it all makes sense, but it can be difficult for families to pinpoint the extent of any issues they have at the time.”

Steven Brown’s own painting journey began as recovery from a serious heart attack and following his own struggles with mental health in 2010. He said: “This subject is very close to my heart. I am proud to commission a piece of my art to play my part in making a difference to the autistic community.

“If Tommy McCoo can help just one child and their family then it has achieved its purpose.”

Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said: "This painting is deeply personal. We hope it will get people talking about autism and understanding more about what it's like to be autistic - both the strengths and the challenges you can face too.
"Like many charities, we've been hit hard financially by coronavirus. So Sam and Steven's support means even more at the moment. It will help us continue our vital work providing information, advice and help to autistic people and their families - and campaigning for better support and services.”

For more information on Tommy McCoo and to view the collection available, please visit www.stevenbrownart.co.uk/pages/tommy.