Community / Acclaimed artist to paint portrait of MRI fundraiser on BBC TV show
A SHETLAND woman who led a community knitting campaign for the MRI scanner fundraising appeal is set to feature in a national TV programme next week – and have her portrait painted by an acclaimed artist.
Harriet Middleton started the MRI Maakers group back in 2019, encouraging people to create pieces to sell on for the appeal.
There was also worldwide interest in Harriet’s Hat, a Fair Isle design she made up herself. The group managed to raise more than £100,000.
Now Harriet will feature on the TV programme Extraordinary Portraits on Monday night on BBC One.
The show sees celebrated portrait artists challenged with creating portraits of members of the public with “extraordinary” stories.
In Monday’s episode painter Stuart Pearson Wright is tasked with creating Harriet’s portrait – as well as capturing her “joy and love for her Shetlander heritage”.
Each episode in the series – which also features musician and TV presenter Tinie Tempah – culminates in the artist unveiling the final portrait to the individual and their family and friends.
Artist Stuart Pearson Wright has been called one of the most gifted portrait artists of his generation and is well known for his figurative paintings and irreverent, sometimes humorous tone.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
