A modern day take on a valuable Louise Rayner painting has been unveiled in Chippenham opposite the 140-year-old original.
Chippenham Borough Lands commissioned artist Bob Rudd to paint the town’s Market Place to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Mr Rudd, president of Chippenham and District Artists, used the same vantage point from the Bear Hotel as Louise Rayner would have used in 1865, and gave the scene a modern twist by including folk festival dancers.
About 60 people went to see Mayor John Scragg unveil the Rudd piece at the Jubilee Building on January 16.
Phil Tansley, executive officer at Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, said: “We had to overcome security issues in displaying the original painting, which is very valuable, as we wanted to display them opposite each other and this proved a great challenge.”
The Rayner picture, one of only four in existence, is behind thick security glass.
Mr Tansley said they chose Mr Rudd for the task because he was a well-known and respected member of the local artistic society, and a member of the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours. Choosing someone local was appropriate for the charity.
“The guests and I were impressed with the clever way Bob interpreted a modern take on an original painting, with the depth of colour and vibrancy of the folk festival.”
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