Young College Artist wins portrait commission
Posted on Tuesday 3 January 2006
Talented young artist, Rachel Wilkinson, 16, of Finchampstead, has won her first commission to paint
Talented young artist, Rachel Wilkinson, 16, of Finchampstead, has won her first commission to paint a portrait of a man after whom a building has been named at Farnborough Sixth Form College. Announcing the commission, which is worth £500, College Principal, Dr John Guy, said, "Rachel is a most talented young artist and I am delighted that she will paint the portrait to honour Laurence Whitehouse".
Mr Whitehouse is a teacher at the College who, with his wife margaret, was one of a group of British tourists held hostage by Yemeni terrorists in December 1998. Tragically, Margaret, was killed in the gun battle leading to the release of the remaining hostages. (See, for example, the following links for a selection of web-pages referring to Laurence Whitehouse and Yemen Crisis, Dec 1998/Jan 1999)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/246037.stm
http://www.al-bab.com/yemen/artic/gdn33.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/245698.stm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,1-1124689_2,00.html
Despite this horrific experience, Laurence returned to his post in College and continued to lead his faculty with energy and vision. Two years ago he retired from his full-time post but he has continued as a part-time teacher of Economics.
The College decided to name its new building after Laurence and The Whitehouse Building was formally opened by Education Minister, Lord Andrew Adonis, in September 2005. At the opening ceremony, Dr Guy announced a competition open to all students at the College to be commissioned to paint a formal portrait of Laurence to hang in the entrance hall of the building.
Rachel was one of 18 entrants who submitted a portrait of a member of the family, or a self-portrait, for consideration by the judges. She painted her father in a manner which the judges felt showed unusual depth, sensitivity and feeling, making his eyes the focus of the piece. In an immensely strong field, the judges unanimously selected her painting as evidence of her outstanding suitability to win the commission.
Rachel said, "All the entries were so good that I was really surprised but very proud to win!" As a first year student at the College, Rachel, formerly of The Abbey School, has only recently embarked upon her A level studies in Fine Art, Philosophy, History, Critical Thinking and Art Textiles.
She said, "Winning the commission is the main prize but the money will help me to take a gap year before going to university where I hope to study art". When she graduates, Rachel hopes to work in art therapy as her chosen career.
Laurence Whitehouse said, " I felt immensely honoured to have the building named after me - and I am also immensely honoured that such a talented artist as Rachel has been commissioned to paint my portrait".
College Principal, Dr Guy said, "I believe that any one of the 18 students who entered the competition would have been capable of undertaking the commission - but Rachel's work showed an unusual maturity, suggesting work of great distinction in the future. I look forward to the unveiling of her work".
