Former Mayor portrait by Loughborough College student officially unveiled

A mayoral portrait painted by a Loughborough College art student has been officially unveiled to its subject.

Erin Smith, who was only 16 when she received the commission from Charnwood Borough Council, presented the portrait to former Mayor, Cllr Christine Harris, at a special event.

“I was extremely honoured and very excited to be chosen to produce the portrait but I don’t think I grasped quite how big a deal it was until I arrived to present it – that’s when it really hit me.

“It went through my mind that the former Mayor may not like it, which added to my nerves. But when she saw it she was so happy – and actually got quite emotional. Then everyone clapped and said how impressed they were with the likeness, so that was all a massive relief,” said Erin, who is studying for A-levels in Art, English Language and English Literature at Loughborough College.

“It was definitely the most challenging portrait I have painted with the intricacy of the chain and the other details and as it got closer to the deadline I really felt the responsibility of getting it right. It took me around three months to complete the portrait, alongside my A-levels. But it is such a privilege to have been given the opportunity.”

Erin’s portrait of Cllr Harris will take pride of place at the Council offices alongside that of fellow former Mayor Cllr Pauline Ranson, painted by former Loughborough College student Catherine Hewitt – and is soon be joined by a portrait of the current Mayor, with the Loughborough College artist set to paint it soon to be announced.

Cllr Harris said: “It is a wonderful portrait. Erin has done a fantastic job. I’m extremely flattered and proud to see such a brilliant piece of work created by somebody so young. Erin is clearly a talent to watch.”

Erin’s art tutor at Loughborough College, Gary Stefanetti, added: “It is an enormous achievement for a first year art student to undertake a commission of this calibre. Erin was only 16 when she accepted it. But our art team knew the quality of her work and we had absolutely no doubt she would rise to the challenge – and she did. Her level of realism in this portrait is astonishing.”

John Doherty, CEO at Loughborough College, said: “We feel privileged that Charnwood Council continues to commission our young artists. Cllr Harris was clearly thrilled to be presented with this truly impressive portrait and we are extremely proud of Erin Smith for sharing her talent in creating it. Following last year’s portrait of former Mayor Cllr Ranson and plans for a portrait of our current Mayor, Cllr Brenda Seaton, we truly do have a tradition in the making, which was inspired by Leader of the Council, Cllr Jonathan Morgan. This reinforces the strong civic links between the College and the town. It is an honour to see these portraits created by our students displayed in a gallery, in the council offices, which reflect more than a century of history."

Pictured: (from left back row )Charnwood Borough Council Chief Executive, Geoff Parker; Loughborough College Chair of Governors Wendy Coy; Charnwood Borough Council Leader Jonathan Morgan; Loughborough College art tutor Gary Stefanetti; Loughborough College CEO John Doherty with (front from left) Loughborough College art student Erin Smith and former Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Christine Harris