Leicester plays host to royal portrait

The New Walk Museum and Art Gallery – Leicester premier museum and art gallery is playing host to a very special royal portrait, the Queen’s 80th birthday portrait by Rolf Harris.

The portrait, commissioned by the BBC to commemorate the Queen’s 80th birthday in 2006 will be on display at the museum in Leicester until 25 February 2007.

The 100cm x 50cm portrait is one of around 130 official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and was based on two sittings at Buckingham Palace – the portrait took two months to complete.

Rolf Harris said of his work, "I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to paint The Queen to celebrate her 80th birthday. The portrait I've created aims to capture The Queen's warm and friendly personality, rather than being a very formal portrait focusing more on her official status."

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New Walk Museum and Art Gallery - Opening times
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Monday - Saturday: 10:00 to 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: FREE

Click here to visit the Royal Forum.