Xothique's Journal » Royal / V.I.P.

The Royal Review

Xothique — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 04:45:56 +0000

I’ve put together a small slideshow of some of the better pictures of Prince Charles’ visit to Newport and Gwent Enterprise’s “Enterprising Arts” project in November, including some images kindly provided by photographer Ben Wills (via Enterprising Arts) and South Wales Argus Photosales. If you’re interested in learning more about any of the wonderful people who made this event happen, please visit the links you’ll see in the picture captions. If I’ve missed anyone out, please let me know and I’ll be happy to add credits as appropriate.

Enterprising Arts: The Royal Review

Newport Market, 15th November 2006.

This is me, standing in front of the display, being surprisingly calm thanks to the Enterprising Arts/Newport & Gwent Enterprise team who kept everything running smoothly.

Photo: Pete Wright

And this is the display, all ready for Royal review.

Photo: Pete Wright

HRH Prince Charles arrives at Newport Market, to be met by our mayor and other local dignitaries.

Photo: South Wales Argus

This harpist contributed to the calm atmosphere with some pleasant and very traditional Welsh music.

Photo: Pete Wright

Ceramic artist Joanna Richards was the first of the Enterprising Arts traders to meet the Prince, having been commissioned to produce some work for him, which she duly presented. Representing Enterprising Arts here are Carla Reynolds (centre) and Project Manager Carmel Barry (right).

Photo: South Wales Argus

A selection of Jo Richards‘ work.

Photo: Pete Wright

Animator Steve John entertains Prince Charles with anecdotes about the ‘Carry On’ team, on whose comedies one of Steve’s current projects is based. Sharing the joke is Enterprising Arts’ Dave Redman.

Photo: South Wales Argus

Some of Steve John’s work – the ‘Carryoons.’

Photo: Pete Wright

…and then it was my turn. I probably would have looked more nervous without Anastasia Taylor-Lind of Enterprising Arts providing moral support, but Prince Charles quickly put me at my ease.

Photo: Ben Wills

The Prince of Wales asked how the masks were made, and took a particular interest in the Welsh Red Dragon…

Photo: South Wales Argus

…so naturally, I handed it to him for a closer look. I think he might have been tempted to try it on, just for a moment!

Photo: South Wales Argus

The Prince then moved into the Enterprising Arts trading unit to meet Bernard and Shirley Dite, of ‘Turn and Burn,’ who presented him with a vase carved from wood salvaged from one of the Royal estates, as Project Manager Carmel Barry (left) looks on.

Photo: South Wales Argus

More of Bernard and Shirley’s woodwork, in the Enterprising Arts trading unit. The jewellery in the cabinet to the left is by Lisa Floyd, whose business Chilichic also started here.

Photo: Pete Wright

‘…the Gang’s all here!’ Enterprising Artists past and present, who all contributed to the success of the event.

Photo: Ben Wills

Click on the controls above to start the show.

The Royal Visit.

Xothique — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 03:32:41 +0000

Thanks to everyone who wished me luck. Special thanks to who came to the event and sat and waited for a long time. And very special thanks to His Royal Highness, His staff and the Newport and Gwent Enterprise team, who make such dreams come true.

As many had said, Prince Charles is a very pleasant person to talk to, putting everyone at their ease, and showing a genuine interest in everybody he meets. He seemed relaxed and unhurried, and I think he gave everyone at least five minutes of his time, if not more. Of course, that brief time feels like an eternity as he gradually approaches, meeting with others along the way – and it seems to be over in seconds when he actually speaks to you!

He showed quite a lot of interest in mask-making, and asked about the various techniques for producing the finishes on the masks. My Red Dragon caught his eye, and as he took a closer look, the press saw yet another photo opportunity, as this image on the BBC site shows:

Prince Charles And The Dragon

He is laughing in the photo because I had just suggested that he might like to try the mask on… He didn’t of course, but I think he might have been tempted for a second. Naturally, the press got all the prime camera angles, but I hope to get hold of a few more pictures soon.

All in all, it was a wonderful event that seemed to go without a hitch – a very successful day for everyone involved.

Tomorrow I Meet Prince Charles!

Xothique — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:22:14 +0000

I’m being presented to HRH the Prince of Wales tomorrow!

This afternoon we spent a considerable amount of time preparing my display, and I am really pleased with the way it looks now. I think I am about ready.

Everything is in place, and it’s too late to panic now, so I’m having a nice quiet evening. Here’s the display:

The brilliant caricature of Sid James that you can see creeping in on the right is the work of local animator and artist Steve John, whose work is displayed on the next table.

I will update soon, hopefully with photos of the presentation.

Wish me luck!

A Royal Engagement!

Xothique — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 20:43:36 +0000

Official announcements are up, so now I can talk about that rather exclusive presentation that I’ve been invited to take part in:

The Prince of Wales, President, PRIME-Cymru, will visit the Taste of Enterprise Centre at the Victorian Indoor Market, meet Newport and Gwent Enterprise and PRIME-Cymru clients and view displays of their work, Victorian Indoor Market, Newport.

So there it is, straight from the Royal diary. I am one of the invited artists involved in Taste of Enterprise who will be presented to the Prince of Wales, in just under a fortnight’s time…

…and I’m a little bit excited, and a little bit scared now.

~bounce~