Beschreibung:

We are proud and honoured to offer a significant example of automotive art by one of the country's leading contemporary artists. Award winning artist, Paul Karslake FRSA (Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts) and brother of Jo Wood, former wife of Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, can never be said to conform to the preconception of an artist struggling for inspiration and enthusiasm. Inspired by famous personalities whose imagery, persona or music has survived against all odds, his works have captured the first modern fashion icon of Audrey Hepburn, the dark fascination of the Kray twins, the enigmatic stare of David's eye and the eternal survivor, Keith Richards. Born in 1958, Paul started painting at the age of eight; in the early 1970s, he was tutored by Sir Peter Scott and later that decade spent time with Salvador Dali. He then spent four years in California where he worked for LA Art Studios, CBS Television and Disney, with whom he later collaborated on the Euro Disney project. Paul's work includes a painting of Keith Richards, commissioned in 1998 by Keith's wife, which, when seen by Jonny Depp at Keith's home, became the inspiration behind his Pirates of the Caribbean's character, Captain Jack Sparrow. Sir Michael Caine CBE, in a letter to Paul, quotes, "I am sitting here astonished by your generosity of your gift and the magnificence of your painting. You are a truly brilliant artist, I have admired your work in the gallery and I am honoured to be part of your collection." Paul, as a true British patriot, wanted to celebrate great moments and people in British History. With such a vast array of subjects, a single canvas would be limiting; however, on seeing a Bentley Mulsanne with its large individual surfaces, he considered it to provide the perfect platform for his expression. The artwork upon this Bentley cannot be truly appreciated unless seen 'in the flesh'. The bonnet depicts Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, alongside the Virgin Atlantic space project and the moon. The boot lid portrays Sir Winston Churchill the Battle of Britain and the Falklands war. On the offside rear pillar is a portrait of The Duke of Wellington with scenes of the Battle of Waterloo along the off side flanks, whilst the nearside rear pillar shows a portrait of Admiral Horatio Nelson with scenes of the Battle of Trafalgar along the nearside flanks. A closer inspection reveals many cameos to amaze and delight the eye which include detail of the ships and cannons with both front wings depicting the First World War and poppies adorning the wheel arches; a poignant touch that is rather moving. The work is signed by Paul on the front door mirrors. The 'canvas' is a 1990 Bentley Mulsanne 'S' which was especially purchased and on which the art work was carried out and completed in 2012. The condition of the coachwork is exemplary with an excellent cream interior and we are advised that recent works include new head gaskets and a service. The Bentley has proved to be reliable transport, being used as a daily driver, and is reported to run very well. A recent MoT test has been carried out and the road fund licence is valid until the end of April 2014. Paul Karslake is an outstanding talent whose commissions read like a who's who of the film and music business. This represents a unique opportunity to acquire his artwork at a fraction of what a commission of this magnitude would fetch, either as a whole or as individual items. Interested parties should note that the current registered private plate is to be retained and a replacement has been applied for from the DVLA.