A Portrait of Leicester
This set of portraits was painted to celebrate the life and works of the people that were either born in my hometown of Leicester or have very close associations with the city. All have made valuable contributions not only to local but world culture. I was inspired to paint these local heroes as their achievements have gone either gone unrecognised or largely forgotten about, having lived all my life in the city I wanted in my own small way to show my appreciation.
Joe Orton
Born in Leicester, playwright, author, and diarist.
His public career, from 1964 until his murder in 1967 committed by his partner, was short but highly influential. During this brief period he shocked, outraged, and amused audiences with his scandalous black comedies.
Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha
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Claudio Ranieri
Thai billionaire businessman and the founder, owner, and chairman of King Power, Along with Manager Ranieri won the 2015–16 Premier League, a feat regarded as one of the greatest sporting shocks in history.He was the owner of Premier League team Leicester City from 2010 until his death in a helicopter crash just outside the club's King Power Stadium in 2018.
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Graham Chapman
Born in Leicester this comedian and writer was one of the six members of the surrealist comedy group Monty Python. He portrayed authority figures such as The Colonel and the lead role in two Python films, Holy Grail (1975) and Life of Brian (1979).
Sir Alec John Jeffreys, CH FRS MAE
developed the techniques for genetic fingerprinting and DNA profiling at Leicester University,
he became an honorary freeman of the City in1992.and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to genetics
Emile Heskey
Leicester born former professional footballer who currently serves as head of football development of Leicester City Women.
Sir David Attenborough
Much loved and respected broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and writer grew up in the grounds of Leicester University where his father was appointed as the second Principal of University College. In 1932 Sir David was awarded an honorary degree in 1970 from the university and later in 2006 was named an honorary distinguished fellow – the University’s highest honour.
Serge Pizzorno
Musician, singer, songwriter, artist, and record producer. He is best known as the co-founder, guitarist, and second vocalist of the legendary Leicester rock band Kasabian, for whom he became the primary songwriter after the departure of Christopher Karloff in 2006.
Susan Lillian Townsend FRS
was a Leicester born writer and humourist whose work encompasses novels, plays and works of journalism. She was best known for creating the character Adrian Mole.
Sir Richard Attenborough
Baron Attenborough, CBE, FRSA, actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, was educated at Wyggeston grammar school for boys in Leicester and who’s acting career began at Leicester’s Little Theatre,
Jamie Vardy
Regarded by many as the greatest Leicester City player of all time, signed for City in May 2012 and was voted the Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year as outsiders Leicester won the title. He won the Premier League Golden Boot for the 2019–20 season,
Martin Johnson CBE
is an English retired rugby union player who represented and captained England and Leicester in a career spanning 16 seasons. He captained England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and is regarded as one of the greatest locks ever to have played, and one of England's greatest ever players.
Gary Lineker OBE
Leicester born broadcaster and former professional footballer. Lineker is the only player to have been the top goalscorer in England with three clubs: Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. He also played for Barcelona in Spain, and won 80 caps for England.
Youri Tielemans
Belgian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Aston Villa and the Belgium national team. Tielemans began his career at Anderlecht, where he made 185 official appearances and scored 35 goals across four seasons