London: Renowned portrait painter visits Anchor House

Andrew Festing painting Thomas

Renowned portrait painter Andrew Festing PRP MBE has been Caritas Anchor House in East London this week, and painting some of its residents at his London studio. Over the course of his career, Festing has painted over 750 portraits and his artworks hang in the Royal Collections, the National Portrait Gallery, The Palace of Westminster and many of the major private and public collections in Britain.

The paintings of Sharon and Thomas, who each spent two days this week sitting for their portraits, will join a portfolio that includes the likes of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Cardinal Basil Hume.

"It was a great experience," said Sharon. "It's really hard keeping still for so long - I had to choose a focal point and keep that position, but I did get breaks and both Andrew and his wife were so friendly. I wouldn't have missed it for anything - I had a great time."

Festing, who visited Caritas Anchor House on the invitation of their Chair of Trustees, said that he was hugely impressed by the organisation and gave his best wishes for the Home and Hope Appeal.

View a gallery of Festing's artwork here: www.andrewfesting.co.uk/andrew-festings-portraits.php

Read more about Anchor House: http://caritasanchorhouse.org.uk/