An official portrait of the beloved national treasure Sir David Attenborough by Jonathan Yeo has been unveiled by the Royal Society.
Jonathan Yeo, who recently produced the official portrait of King Charles III, created a piece of art showing a seated Sir David holding his hands and looking towards the viewer.
The 98-year-old documentarian and writer said: “It was a tremendous honour to be elected a fellow of the Royal Society over 40 years ago, and that my portrait has now been painted by such a master as Jonathan Yeo for the society’s extensive and important collection is extraordinary indeed.
“To spend so much of my life looking at the natural world and attempting to convey to others its amazing complexity, beauty and, increasingly, its fragility, has been a great privilege.
“It has only been possible thanks to the extraordinary natural history filmmakers and the many dedicated scientists who have willingly shared their work with us.”
Sir David Attenborough and the Royal Society's president Sir Adrian Smith attended a private unveiling on Tuesday which was also shown to the public on The One Show.
The artist behind Sir David Attenborough's portrait says documentarian has 'inspired all generations'
British artist Yeo said: “It’s hard to imagine a public figure who has done more to engage and inspire all generations in the wonders of the natural world than Sir David.
“At a time when too many global leaders are failing to engage seriously in tackling threats to our climate and natural world, Sir David’s lifetime of work in communicating and sharing its wonders and importance has been a service to all humanity.
“Sir David has long been a personal inspiration, and so it was a huge honour to be asked to paint his portrait for the Royal Society.
“It has been a thrill as well as a privilege to spend so much time with someone whose wisdom is so deep and broad, and who is also such brilliant and entertaining company.”
Yeo has produced portraits for all sorts of public figures, including the late Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen, Sir Tony Blair and Lord Cameron.
His most recent work celebrates Sir David’s career and how he has raised awareness of “climate change and biodiversity”.
Head of library and archives at the Royal Society, Keith Moore, said: “We’re thrilled to have this portrait of Sir David as part of our collections.
“The Royal Society has many pictures of great scientists, over 300 original works of art and around 10,000 engravings and photographs.
“You can find so many individuals from the scientific community of past centuries here: from Isaac Newton to Charles Darwin, and from Albert Einstein and Dorothy Hodgkin.
“But I’d defy you to find anyone who has touched as many people’s lives in explaining the ideas behind great science, and how they affect our world, as Sir David Attenborough. He’s one of a kind.”
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