Thursday, June 24, 2010
Royal Ascot
This year I attended all five days of Royal Ascot in my role as Artist in Residence to the Royal Ascot Racing Club. I had several works on display in the club and I thoroughly enjoyed being there with the members and experiencing some incredible racing. It was thrilling to see Highclere have three winners and the closest second, by a whisker, of the week. Another highlight was Paco Boy putting in the bravest performance of the week in the Queen Anne. He came from way back in the field having being caught up against the rail and showed amazing acceleration to hound the leader in a desperate attempt to regain his title. If he had had another 20 yards he would have got there. I look forward to starting the sculpture commission of him in the next few weeks.
The Investec Derby 2010
It has been quite an amazing few months. The build up to the Derby started back in April with the first Derby Trial race at Epsom and the official unveiling of the trophy. Ian Balding was the guest of honour and I was extremely relieved when he voiced his approval of the design and the sculpture itself. Until that day it had been seen by Aspreys and a select few at Investec. I was very anxious about how the racing community would view the sculpture. I'm very relieved that all the feedback has been incredible and far better than I could have hoped for. I would like to thank Investec for giving me the freedom to create this work. It really has been a dream commission.
After the first Trial race on 21st April the trophy travelled the country, following the Derby roadshow. It appeared on Channel 4, Racing UK, BBC Breakfast, BBC One and The Morning Line. It was then displayed that the prestigious Derby Club Dinner before returning to its new home in the Queen's Stand at Epsom.
When I arrived on Oaks Day it really struck me just how brilliant it was to be involved in such a way with this amazing event. Oaks Day and Derby Day were incredible. The sun shone and the racing was thrilling. I've never seen so many people at one event before. The atmosphere was totally unforgettable.
The Epsom and Investec teams did an amazing job in moving the Trophy around the course for various interviews and presentations and it was fantastic to see so many people looking at the sculpture and remembering past winners which are engraved on the inside.
The Trophy was presented to HRH Prince Khalid bin Abdullah after his horse Workforce destroyed the Derby course in a record time.
To be a part of the Derby is something that I will be very proud of and extremely thankful for. Thank you Investec and Epsom.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Motivator II
My latest project has been an enormous painting of Motivator winning the Derby in 2005. It was commissioned by the Queen's Racing Manager, John Warren and has been well received.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A New Era-Osborne Studio Gallery
I have two sculptures in the Osborne Studio Gallery on Motcomb Street in London as part of their New Era exhibition from 25th March-24th April.
Please go along if you have a chance.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Investec Derby Trophy
Investec have commissioned me to produce the perpetual trophy for the Derby.
"Perpetual trophies are an integral part of the Festival but the same has curiously been untrue of the Derby. Until now, winning connections have received a one-off memento rather than something readily identified with the race. Investec, the new sponsors, are about to rectify this.
Charlie Langton, the renowned artist, has been commissioned to design an iconic trophy, intended to represent the Derby just as the Ashes urn or the World Cup characterise those contests. It will be launched by John Oxx, trainer of last year's winner Sea The Stars, at Epsom's April meeting and then be taken on tour around the Derby trials."
The Times, Thursday 4th March 2010
Pictures to follow...
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