WITHOUT Francesco del Giocondo there would be no Mona Lisa, and Michelangelo depended on Lorenzo de’ Medici during his career. For centuries princes have known that even those who are not great artists themselves can still be a vital part of the process of making art. While he was Prince of Wales, HM King Charles III was an active patron of the arts, and as he begins his reign, art remains a priority.
Foremost will be his involvement with the huge royal legacy of artworks gathered under the organisation of the Royal Collection. At the Royal Collection Trust, spokesman Lily Spicer explains: “The Royal Collection became more widely accessible during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and this increased access continues to broaden today. His Majesty The King has always taken a keen interest in the work of the Royal Collection Trust – he served as our chairman for many years when Prince of Wales. For example, last year he commissioned a set of portraits by contemporary artists of Holocaust survivors, which are now part of the Royal Collection, and for his 70th birthday he curated his own selection of artworks from the Collection.”
One of The King’s first official engagements after his accession took him up to his beloved Scotland to open the newly refurbished Burrell Collection, part of the Glasgow Museums. At about the same time, a limited-edition print of a watercolour of Balmoral, painted by him when Prince of Wales, was auctioned by Bonhams in its Scottish Home sale, raising about 10 times its estimate. Hamish Wilson of Bonhams praised “The King’s passion for painting and his deep affection for Scotland”.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays