Whitehouse Portrait Unveiled
Posted on Friday 22 June 2007
Student Rachel Wilkinson's commissioned work unveiled by Laurence Whitehouse for the Whitehouse Buil
College student’s commissioned work unveiled
When the country's first e-assessment centre was opened by Lord Andrew Adonis at Farnborough Sixth Form College last year , it was named after Laurence Whitehouse, a long-standing Director of Faculty who had inspired many students at the College over the years, including Stephen Timms MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Yesterday, Mr Whitehouse unveiled a portrait of himself to be hung in the new building by young College artist, Rachel Wilkinson, who had been commissioned by the College to paint the portrait.
Rachel, 18, a second year student at the College, won her commission in a competition among the College art students in which she entered a portrait of her father, Dr Mike Wilkinson. He was present for the unveiling ceremony held at the College.
Mr Whitehouse had not seen his portrait until he unveiled it. Pulling back the curtain, the portrait was greeted with instant applause by the guests, many of whom were Mr Whitehouse's former colleagues. He said, "I was invited to judge of the competiton last year and I was struck by the way Rachel used colour and texture to portray her father. I have never had a portrait of me painted before but I am delighted by the way Rachel has captured me in the context of travels around the world. It is wonderful and it is humbling".
Before the unveiling, Rachel was presented with a cheque for £500 by College Principal Dr John Guy. He said, "This building is a tribute to a great man who has devoted his working life to inspiring students. In turn we hope that Rachel's portrait will be an inspiration to many more young art students in the years to come. We will hang it with pride in the new building".
Rachel, who has just finished her A levels, has won a place at Chelsea College of Art to begin her undergraduate studies in September. She said, "I was very nervous when the portrait was unveiled because I didn't know how it would be received - but everyone seems to be delighted, especially Laurence Whitehouse!"
Taking further inspiration from Mr Whitehouse, Rachel has decided to travel to Australia for two months over the summer. She said she would use her commission fee to help with expenses and to pay for art materials when she begins university. Rachel said, "I had always dreamed of being commissioned to paint a portrait because it is my favourite form of artistic expression - this is a dream come true!"
Photo caption
Rachel Wilkinson and Laurence Whitehouse with the portrait to be hung in the Whitehouse Building at Farnborough Sixth Form College.
Laurence Whitehouse sees his portrait for the first time.
