Secretary of State for Wales unveils new portrait of Duke of Cambridge
Picture by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall to be auctioned for charity.
Secretary of State for Wales David Jones and Dan Llywelyn Hall
A new portrait of the Duke of Cambridge by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall has been officially unveiled by the Secretary of State for Wales today (2 July 2014).
The picture has been completed to coincide with next month’s 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and will be unveiled for the first time at the Wales Office in Whitehall.
Entitled “Fatherhood”, the oil on canvas image measures 90cm by 60cm and took 3 months to complete.
It depicts the Duke wearing a dark suit and red tie with a poppy in his left lapel, looking slightly upwards against a red background.
The picture is based on a meeting at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff when the Duke viewed Mr Hall’s portrait of the Queen called “Icon”, commissioned by the Welsh Rugby Union.
The public can bid for this latest portrait at the First World War Centenary Sale auction at Bonhams on 1 October with all proceeds going to The Victoria Cross Trust and War Memorials Trust.
Secretary of State for Wales David Jones MP said:
I am honoured to officially unveil this new portrait of the Duke of Cambridge.
Wales boasts a wealth of creative talent and Mr Hall is a great young Welsh artist whose work is known and admired not just across the UK but around the world.
He has painted a fantastic picture which I’m sure when auctioned will help raise a lot of money for two very worthwhile charities whose vital work is all the more important as we approach the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
Dan Llywelyn Hall said:
‘Fatherhood’ is a portrait about a universal theme: the concerns, hopes and aspirations of a family man.
On the centenary of the Somme where such horror consumed the lives of over a million people it seems appropriate to support two charities that uphold the memory and acknowledge the legacy of our forefathers.
Frances Moreton, director of War Memorials Trust, said:
War Memorials Trust is delighted to be a beneficiary of the sale of this portrait. All proceeds will go to supporting the work of protecting and conserving war memorials across the UK.
As we approach the centenary of the First World War up to 10% of war memorials may be in need of careful repair and conservation. Donations such as this will enable the charity to help many more local communities appropriately cherish our shared national war memorial heritage.
Gary Stapleton, chairman of The Victoria Cross Trust, said:
The portrait of the late Sir Tasker Watkins which Mr Hall painted a few years ago is steeped in phenomenal history and it is great to see the nation’s heroes and those awarded with the Victoria Cross continuing to be immortalised through art – as it means they will be remembered and honoured for centuries to come.
We are pleased to be part of today’s unveiling and are thankful for the wonderful generosity of both Mr Hall and the Wales Office. The proceeds from the auction will allow us to continue our vital work in restoring the graves of Victoria Cross heroes.
Further information:
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Cardiff-born Mr Hall, 33, graduated from art school in 2003 before being awarded The Sunday Times Young Artist of the Year. His portraits of First World War veterans Henry Allingham and Harry Patch were displayed at Windsor Castle and The National Portrait Gallery and are now a permanent feature in the Royal Collection and the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath.
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In 2007 he painted a portrait of the late Sir Tasker Watkins - the first Welshman in World War Two to be awarded a Victoria Cross. He is also the youngest person ever to paint the Queen.
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He is currently working on an exhibition due to open in September inspired by the work of Dylan Thomas for the centenary celebrations in London. He also has a major exhibition at Sladers Yard in Bridport opening on 5 July of some 60 paintings.
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Last updated 3 July 2014 + show all updates
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First published.