Belfast artist’s royal tour painting to be showcased at Buckingham Palace

Belfast Telegraph - 08:26
A painting by a Belfast artist is among a series of works commissioned by the King, capturing scenes from overseas royal tours, set to go on display at Buckingham Palace.

From Charles’ personal collection, the work’s of art depict scenes from recent state visits and other foreign trips dating back 40 years, made when he was the Prince of Wales.

One of the paintings by Belfast artist Colin Watson is set to feature in the exhibition, after he joined the joined a tour to Japan, Brunei and Indonesia in 2008.

Seeing ancient cultures up close during the royal tour was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream for the artist, and was captured in his painting The Abbot, which is the work selected for the Buckingham Palace exhibition.

It was inspired by a figure he observed at the Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan, one of the country’s renowned and historically important temples.

Kate Heard, curator of The King’s Tour Artists exhibition, featuring more than 70 pictures, said: “This fascinating group of works tells the story of 40 years of official travel and artistic patronage.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi National Park a visit that formed the inspiration for a royal tour painting.

“The freedom given to each artist to capture a personal impression of the countries visited has led to the formation of a rich and var...
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