The Archbishop of Canterbury, Cherie Blair and the Duke and Duchess of Calabria were just some of the guests at the unveiling of the latest paintings by local artist Christian Furr.

The artist, who lives in Ham and has a studio in Kingston, spent a year painting the Cardinal of Westminster, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor and the bishops of Lancaster and Westminster. The paintings will now hang in Archbishop's House in Westminster Cathedral.

Mr Furr said he enjoyed the whole experience: "It was fantastic. I love the classical artists, so I was in my element. To spend time with such spiritual people was great. I was even invited to Rome by the Cardinal."

Seven years ago, Mr Furr, now 35, became the youngest artist to paint the Queen. It was painted in the Yellow Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace and now hangs at the Royal Overseas League Headquarters in St. James, London.

Mr Furr has been short-listed to paint tennis players Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, but his next work will be to paint Gered Mankowitz, photographer of the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix.

To see Mr Furr's work go to www.christianfurr.com.

July 10, 2002 11:00