A new portrait of Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis painted by English artist Sir Peter Blake has been unveiled at the music festival.
The painting, which has been shared on Sir Peter’s 90th birthday, depicts 86-year-old Eavis standing in front of the festival’s iconic Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset.
The portrait of Eavis will be put on display at the National Portrait Gallery, which commissioned Sir Peter to produce the artwork, when it reopens in 2023.
Eavis said: “I’m so pleased to have been painted by my old friend Peter, and that my portrait is his first commission for the National Portrait Gallery.”
The festival founder, who hosted the first Glastonbury 16 years after he inherited the 150-acre dairy farm that he grew up on, added: “That’s a rare treat for a Somerset dairy farmer!”
The gallery’s collection includes two other portraits created by Sir Peter – the 1991 screenprint, T for The Beatles, a reprise of his The 1962 Beatles painting, and a double portrait of husband and wife, art dealer Leslie Waddington and antique jewellery expert Clodagh Waddington.
Sir Peter said: “I visited the first Glastonbury in 1970 and have loved the festival ever since, so I was thrilled when the National Portrait Gallery commissioned me to paint Michael’s portrait.
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“After receiving the commission, we took Michael for lunch at a fancy West End restaurant. He arrived resplendent in his trademark denim shorts, which stopped the restaurant in its tracks.
“I knew then, that I had to include them in the portrait. I hope my painting encapsulates Michael’s free spirit, joyful energy and love of life.”
Glastonbury, one of the largest greenfield music and performing arts festivals in the world, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
It has returned for the first time in three years after it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Portrait Gallery has been closed since 29 June 2020 for refurbishment and building works.
