A portrait of Falklands veteran Simon Weston was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery today after he was voted the public figure who most deserved to be there.
The painting, by artist Nicky Philipps, was added to the gallery’s collection after viewers of BBC One’s The One Show voted for it.
It went on display for the first time this morning to coincide with the launch of new BBC documentary The People’s Portrait which explores the gallery’s portrait commissioning process.
The near life-sized oil painting shows Mr Weston in the artist’s studio holding medals and standing a chair with a Welsh Guards cap on top, symbolising those lost in the bombing of Sir Galahad.
Nicky Phillips, who was commissioned by the gallery to paint Prince William and Prince Harry in 2009, said she wanted to focus on his military career and work for charity.
She said: “I felt it was important to show Simon’s hands. They were badly burned but he still has the use of them, and I wanted to show him holding his medals.
“The bright pinkish-red of the OBE in Simon’s hands, draped over the chair, brings a flash of colour to the lower half of the picture which I feel is aesthetically satisfying.”
Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said: “Nicky Philipps has created a powerful portrait of Simon Weston as a strong and inspiring character.”
The Sir Galahad came under attack in Port Pleasant in June 1982, causing the death of 22 members of Mr Weston’s platoon.
He underwent more than 70 operations to reconstruct his face after suffering 46 per cent burns to his body and face.
Simon Weston by Nicky Philipps will be located in the Balcony Gallery from today.
The People’s Portrait is being screened on BBC One in April.
