John David Edwards, a painter and sculptor known for his extensive exhibitions and commitment to community arts, has died at the age of 74 from heart disease. Edwards was recognized not only for his artistic contributions but also for his support of individuals living with cancer and those recovering from addiction.

Born in Hillingdon, Edwards was the son of Ted Edwards, a physicist and director at GEC, and Joan Edwards (née Bird), who worked in the company’s library. He attended Abbotsfield School for Boys before pursuing foundation studies at Harrow School of Art. He went on to graduate from the Central School of Arts between 1971 and 1974.

Early in his career, Edwards worked closely with artists and galleries in London, most prominently the Waddington Gallery, where he collaborated with notable figures such as Jim Dine, John Hoyland, Patrick Caulfield, and Howard Hodgkin. His work gained recognition through solo exhibitions at the Odette Gilbert Gallery and shows in major cities including London, New York, Chicago, and Tokyo.

Edwards’ career faced challenges following a cancer diagnosis in 1996. Despite undergoing treatment, he continued to produce artwork, which he described as vital to his recovery both physically and mentally. These works were central to his 2007 book, *How Cancer Saved My Life*, which he used to raise awareness and offer encouragement, often speaking at hospitals and cancer charities across the UK. In the book’s foreword, artist Sir Peter Blake praised Edwards’ paintings as “courageous” and imbued with humor and wit.

In his personal life, Edwards married Susie Fairgrieve in 1991, whom he had met while both were working at Waddington Gallery. The couple divorced a year later. Professionally, Edwards maintained a studio above the AB Fine Art Foundry in Poplar, east London, where he also contributed to the casting of Barry Flanagan’s large-scale hare sculptures. On medical advice, he relocated in 2008 to a studio in Ipswich, Suffolk, owned by his sister Marion.

In Ipswich, Edwards embarked on community projects such as The Never Ending Mural, designed to engage local businesses, arts groups, and schools in creating a collaborative artwork aimed at supporting the revitalization of Ipswich Wet Dock and promoting public participation in the arts.

In March 2020, Edwards was invited to contribute to Artists’ Lives at the British Library, a project run by National Life Stories in partnership with the Tate Archive and the Henry Moore Institute, documenting his life and work for future generations.

Edwards is survived by his four sisters: Su, Gillie, Jude, and Marion.