CAPTAIN TOM

It really was an immense privilege to have been chosen to paint the Army’s Official Portrait of Captain Tom and to be the only artist that he sat for, before lockdown was eased. To me it shows how important the Army was, and is to him. The Army showed foresight honouring him in this way - Painted portraiture is the historic backbone of the Army predating photography as a way of recording and remembering historic figures.. Mess Portraiture is very much ingrained as the language of military recognition.

When I was serving in the light Dragoons, portraiture was very much part of Army mess life and served as an everyday inspiration - a constant reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of our former leaders-

A formal mess Portrait is entirely different from a simple depiction of a the image of somebody, and it looks for something deeper within the character of the sitter. For this reason, I think that to have a formal portrait in the national army museum, the home of the Army will resonate with Captain Tom.

In the painting, I have included a few things that relate to his service in Burma, as well as the Box for his Knight Batchelor Medal.

2nd February 2021

The news of Captain Tom’s death has hit us all hard. Our deepest sympathy is with his family at this sad time. It was a privilege to meet him and have him sit for me.

It was flattering to be asked by the BBC for my thoughts on such a poignant day. As an ex-Officer I am immensely proud to have this link with him, and, for me, he was a symbol of all that is right about the British Army. Regarding the Painting, it really accomplished what I was searching for as an artist. Portraiture has always been relevant and is the way we honour people who mean something to us in society.

As a Portrait Artist, we know that it is something that celebrates the sitter during their life, but it is after they have died that the work holds a new meaning.

When I painted Captain Tom I felt that I had a responsibility accurately to capture his spirit and humour. He embodied the essence of the First lockdown - resilience, determination and humour, combined with a modest humility that is synonymous of a bygone era. 

It allowed us all to recognise the same within ourselves. It is testament to his Character that he never sought fame or popularity, and yet found himself universally loved and applauded for his courage and achievement. 

This painting will mean different things to different People. Whether one uses it to remember the man or what he stood for, I hope that it provides an image which the viewer can contemplate - and use it to reflect on this extraordinary period of history which we have all lived through.