It's been a day very much like any other. Except that today I mowed my lawn and got covered in mud in the wet English autumn. It was the
Labour Party Conference last week, and the
Tory Party conference is in full swing this week - and I receive an envelope with "On Her Majesty's Service" printed on it, all official, and immediately wondered if I owe any taxes or have gone through a speed camera too quickly. Am having a week's annual leave and wondering who to "paint" next when this arrives...
And a
most unusual thing happens.
The Rt.Honourable Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, writes to me (to me!) and says that he is "delighted" to have been asked to be a part of this worthwhile fundraising project. This means, that my ridiculous notion from around 10 weeks ago (when I started this project), saying that it will come to an end if the Prime Minister or HRH Prince Charles give their permission for me to do their portraits (never actually thinking they would even acknowledge my letters) - is now fulfilled. I will do the portraits of the Prime Minister and HRH Prince Charles, then it will be phase 2... How to raise money from the artwork with the help of the
NSPCCSo what has been a thrill of a thing to randomly invent and grow over the last couple of months is drawing to a close (pun intended) - I've got a few uber top-secret famous people in the pipeline that i've got my fingers crossed will still say yes, and I'll add them if the opportunity arises - (Brad Pitt that means you!). From now on I just need to do the portrait of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and put my feet up and have a nice cup of tea. Still don't know who i'm voting for in the General Election, but huge thanks to Gordon Brown for his kind letter and also to David Cameron, leader of the Opposition for his generous support. Both parties tie neck and neck with regard to the "e-clectic portrait project - art for charity's sake" part of my manifesto. Thank you.
...and here he is. The Rt Hon. Gordon Brown Prime Minister.
