On the 21st May, 45,611 participants from the around the world joined children’s author and illustrator Rob Biddulph (UK) while he led what officially became the largest online art lesson ever.
The livestream, which raised over £50,000 for charities helping those impacted most by Covid-19, was hosted on Rob’s YouTube channel as part of his #DrawWithRob series, which has become a hit with families during lockdown in the UK.
In order to achieve the Guinness World Records title, over 10,000 unique participants had to tune in to the lesson for the full 30 minute duration, as Rob demonstrated how to draw a blue whale (which also happens to hold records for the largest animal, the largest mammal, the heaviest tongue and more).
The whale was surrounded by a colourful rainbow to show support for the UK’s National Health Service.
Not only was the record achieved, but the target number was surpassed by a huge amount, as four times the number of required participants completed the lesson along with Rob.
— Rob Biddulph (@RobBiddulph) June 1, 2020
Rob, who is best known for his works such as Odd Dog Out, was named as the official World Book Day illustrator for 2019 and 2020.
I grew up reading the Guinness World Records book and watching the Roy Castle show on TV so I can’t quite believe that I am now a record breaker. To share this honour with 45,611 other artists, and to have raised so much money for charity in the process, makes it all the more special. I hope we’ve helped to inspire people of all ages to continue creating beautiful artwork long into the future - Rob Biddulph
Rob’s final drawing of the blue whale was also auctioned off, with a winning bid of £970, to contribute to the final total raised for charity.
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