Jagger's favourite artist to make oil painting of IDS
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.He has rendered Jerry Hall in oils and his portrait of Mick Jagger hangs in the rock star's home. Now Paul Benney, an artist of international fame, is about to secure another glamorous commission - a likeness of Iain Duncan Smith.
MPs are to offer the portrait painter £10,000 to bring the former Conservative leader to life, The Independent on Sunday has learnt.
Although the House of Commons advisory committee on works of art shelved plans for a picture of Mr Duncan Smith earlier this year, it has now revived them. Mr Duncan Smith had irritated MPs on the committee by refusing its initial choice of artist, reportedly nominating a relative instead. The impasse had made it likely that he would be the first party leader since Hugh Gaitskell, who led the Labour Party in the 1950s, to go withoutan official portrait at the taxpayer's expense.
Hugo Swire, Conservative MP for Devon East, revived the project two weeks ago. His suggestion of Mr Benney, who has studios in West London and
New York, has been adopted by a reluctant committee. "We could hardly turn him down," a weary committee member said last night. "Whether Mr Benney wants the job is another matter."
The artist is a prize-winner in the BP Portrait Awards. His portrait of the publisher and trustee of the National Portrait Gallery, Baron Weidenfeld, is in the London gallery's collection.
He hinted yesterday that he would accept the job. "I have been approached but I don't want to say anything more unless it is confirmed by the committee," he said.
If work begins, Mr Benney can look forward to 16 hours of Mr Duncan Smith's company - eight two-hour sittings.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments