Charles showcases works from royal tour artists over four decades
- The exhibition includes 74 artworks depicting scenes from more than 40 years of tours.
- Artists described the opportunity to paint during royal tours as both exhilarating and challenging.
- The event highlights the King’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists and promoting cultural engagement.
In a notable exhibition at Buckingham Palace, the personal collection of Charles, spanning 40 years, showcases artworks created by various artists who accompanied him on official international tours. This unique tradition began in 1985 when the King personally commissioned John Ward to capture scenes during an official trip to Italy. Since then, the collection has grown to feature 74 distinct works that illustrate Charles’ engagement with artists and the artistic interpretations of places and events from his travels as the Prince of Wales. The exhibition includes works from artists like Tom Hallifax and Phillip Butah, who both discussed the exhilarating yet challenging nature of their roles. These artists not only faced the fast-paced demands of royal tours but also had opportunities to capture unique moments, such as Butah's experience painting at an elephant sanctuary in Nairobi National Park. The collection reflects both the personal and artistic journeys taken through royal engagements distant from the mundane, thereby enriching the cultural heritage intertwined with the monarchy.