From Studio to the Royal Collection – Paul Benney (R77) was selected in 2023 to paint the official State Coronation Portrait of Queen Camilla; as we approach the conclusion of this historically significant commission, we eagerly await the end result!
With the Leech Drawing Prize LQ1977 safely secured, Paul Benney graduated from Charterhouse in 1977 and rose to international prominence as a contemporary artist whilst living and working in both New York and the UK. As one of the UKs leading portrait artists, Benney has painted many prominent individuals including Sir Mick Jagger, John Paul Getty III and Lord Weidenfeld and Baroness Amos, to name but a few.
In 2015, Benney was commissioned by the Jockey Club to paint ‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with Gold Cup winner, Estimate’, unveiled by Elizabeth II within The Jockey Club Rooms.
It seems incredibly fitting therefore, that for the coronation of Charles III and Camilla in 2023, Benney was selected by Queen Camilla herself to paint her own state portrait, which will become a part of the Royal Collection and will hang in the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace.
I am surprised but excited at the prospect of recording this singular moment in history. For the duration of this commission their majesties the King and Queen have kindly let me set up a temporary studio in Clarence House that allows me to work on the portrait regularly and it makes it much easier to schedule sittings.
Over the years Paul has been a frequent speaker and contributor to OCAS the Charterhouse Art Network and we are incredibly lucky to have such talented professionals within our OC Community. Our passionate network of OC artists provide a beacon of creative inspiration, particularly for those pupils who begin the new academic year embarking on their GCSE and A Level courses in Art and Design.
Paul Benney pictured above speaking on Channel 4 Documentary 'The Queen and Her Animals’
We look forward to catching up with Paul upon the unveiling of Queen Camilla’s portrait in the coming months.
Discover more about Paul's work paulbenney.com
