King Charles is set to offer a unique and intimate insight into his life through a special exhibition. The King, aged 76, will be showcasing a selection of artwork created by artists during his royal tours, marking the first time these pieces will be revealed to the public. The exhibition, featuring 70 artworks by 42 artists, will be a highlight of the summer opening of Buckingham Palace, running from July 10 to September 28. This initiative by King Charles celebrates the talent of artists who have accompanied him on his global travels over the years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/prince-charles-camilla-north-seymour-island-042225-770d994dff3541229f0fbd09c9aff72a.jpg)
The tradition of incorporating artists into royal tours began back in 1985 when Prince Charles, as he was known then, invited British artist John Ward to join him on a visit to Italy. The artists involved in capturing these moments have expressed gratitude for the unique opportunity to accompany the King on his tours and create art inspired by their experiences. Fraser Scarfe, for example, utilized modern technology by capturing memorable moments from Charles’ visit to Rome on his iPad, alongside Queen Camilla.
The concept of the exhibition was developed by The Earl of Rosslyn, the Lord Steward and Personal Secretary to the King and Queen. He curated a companion book titled “The Art of Royal Travel: Journeys with The King,” which provides further insight into the artists’ perspectives and experiences. One of the aims of this exhibition is to showcase the King’s longstanding support for the arts and cultural endeavors, highlighting his patronage and appreciation for artistic expression.
Included in the collection are works by artists such as Richard Foster, Susannah Fiennes, and Mary Anne Aytoun Ellis, each offering a unique interpretation of the royal tours they accompanied. Richard Foster’s art from the 2009 tour to Chile, Brazil, and Ecuador captures the essence of the landscape on North Seymour Island. Meanwhile, Susannah Fiennes’ series of artworks from the 1997 visit to Hong Kong stands out for its cultural significance and historical context.
The exhibition will also feature works by artists who contributed their talents during tours to countries like Italy, Turkey, Jordan, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Jamaica. With diverse landscapes, figure studies, and still life subjects, these artworks collectively reflect the King’s deep engagement with artistic endeavors over the past four decades. Kate Heard, the curator of “The King’s Tour Artists,” commended the artists’ freedom to convey personal impressions of the visited countries, resulting in a diverse and captivating collection.
Accompanying the exhibition will be the publication of “The Art of Royal Travel: Journeys with The King,” featuring recollections from the artists and over 100 illustrations. This comprehensive book will offer readers a deeper understanding of the artistic journey shared by King Charles and the talented individuals who were part of his tours. Through this exhibition, the public will gain a glimpse into King Charles’ appreciation for art, culture, and the creative expression captured during his travels.