Broadcaster James Naughtie said he was ‘humbled’ to have his portrait hung among some of Scotland’s eminent achievers.
The work, by the artist Brendan Kelly, is to enter Scotland’s National Collection and is now on display at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.
It depicts Naughtie at his Edinburgh home and was specially commissioned with the support of The Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. It was unveiled by the director of the Portrait Gallery Christopher Baker.
A former journalist at The Scotsman, Naughtie spent 21 years as a co-anchor of BBC Radio Four’s flagship Today programme, ‘retiring’ three years ago but remaining special correspondent for the station.
Renowned for his long, often rambling questions, he has also been a keen supporter of the arts and literature, holding simultaneously the post of Books Editor for the BBC.
Speaking to Daily Business at the unveiling of the oil on canvas, he said: “I love it. Brendan did an amazing job, though we do not have that colour of wallpaper at our home!”
He said he had spent a lot of time with the artist who wanted to get to know his character.
“He even sat through the night watching and observing me in the studio during the 2015 election broadcast.
“We have become good friends and it strikes me that if the artist and the subject hit it off it will result in a good painting.”
Kelly was chosen by Naughtie and Baker who shared an admiration for his portraiture.
Naughtie said: “I am very grateful to him. I am genuinely touched and humbled to be in this place.”
He said he will be working on some features for Radio Four marking the 50th anniversary of the student riots in Paris.
Leave a Reply