Richard Attenborough

(with Charlie Chaplin)

Painted in September 2008

Acrylic on canvas - 30 inch x 24 inch

Sold to a client in Sheffield, England

Autographed by Richard on 27th September 2008

I read that the great actor and director Richard Attenborough was giving a talk about his life, followed by a book signing at the Royal Theatre in Windsor, 27th September 2008.

Richard directed a beautiful film about the life of the legendary British actor Charlie Chaplin. I am a huge admirer of Charlie Chaplin, one of the greatest actors of all time, and his incredible silent films of the early 1900’s that touched the hearts of millions, making them cry and laugh in every film. A true genius.

I worked for over 30 hours to create a portrait that captured the spirit of Charlie and Richard together.

On the day of the event I travelled 90 miles up to Windsor to meet him.

I waited by the room in which he was to give his book signing and was relieved to be told he would be happy to sign anything, not just his book. I was first in the queue when he arrived.

I was very touched by how kind and warm hearted Richard was to me.

He took time to speak to me for a few moments and said my portrait of him and Charlie was "Marvellous" and wrote on it "Congratulations & with my Best Wishes".

He then kindly posed for a photo with me and the painting.

I will always remember how very genuine and kind he was to me that day, giving me a lot of his time even though there were many people at the book signing.

A truly wonderful moment.

And I like to think that maybe this moment was an albeit tenuous, but tangible link to the spirit of Charlie Chaplin too.

Below is the film of Richard signing the portrait.

Millions know Charlie Chaplin as an incredible silent actor, but in his later career he made talking films too. In homage to Charlie, would just like to add this very profound moment from one of his films “The Great Dictator”.

Charlie plays a humble Jewish barber who happens to resemble the ruthless dictator who has recently been kidnapped. Charlie’s character is then asked to give a speech to the crowd, in place of the dictator.

Charlie wrote this speech himself. His delivery and performance in this scene are truly remarkable. His conviction and the integrity in his eyes is one of the greatest performances I have seen in a film. It has been noted he only blinks 3 or 4 times in the whole 4 minutes, such was his conviction. His words still ring true today.