I have been commissioned to paint all the outgoing Majors and Generals for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals since 2014. These are on permanent display within the army, alongside all previous portraits. It’s a very impressive sight of very impressive men and it is an honour to have my work displayed in this way.
Whilst painting at many military events over the years, I often speak to people who trained with the Gurkhas, always relaying tales of admiration.
I was delighted to be invited to the unveiling of the latest outgoing General, Major General Jonathan Cole, CB, OBE. This took place at their annual celebration and meal, which had been cancelled for the previous two years due to covid.
After a meeting, 9 of us were transported across the site in a minibus and then flanked by men playing bagpipes as we walked in line towards the event.
115 Queens’ Gurkha signals gathered, all dressed in a striking bright red uniform and me – the random artist. Unfortunately I had mostly lost my voice that day, so my requested speech was short and quiet, I was also almost frozen solid at that point as this happened outdoors. Note to self: Bring a big warm coat next time. As we moved inside, the Napalese meal was outstanding, luckily it is my favourite type of food, and if I ever eat out, our local Nepalese in Blandford ‘Namaste’ is always where I choose. The music during intervals was excellent too.
I was given accommodation overnight and invited for a big breakfast the next morning. My previous paintings were taken down for varnishing and I later returned home on various buses and trains.
Thanks to everyone who made that happen, an experience I will never forget!
