Bournemouth’s Mayor says he’s “blown away” by a new painting of himself, the first full-size portrait of the town’s mayor in more than 100 years.
The work took local artist Dhan Ramdharry more than 80 hours to complete.
It shows Cllr George Farquhar with his official consort, a rescue greyhound called Billy.
Unveiling the oil on canvas portrait in the Mayor’s Parlour at Bournemouth’s Civic Offices, the Mayor said he was thrilled with the painting.
He told Bournemouth One: “It’s absolutely awesome the work, it’s a phenomenal piece and I’m absolutely blown away by the number of hours and the skill that Dhan’s got that has actually been put into the painting itself.”
Dhan described the Mayor and his distinctive features as an artist’s dream
He said: “I think there’s a combination of a bit of Sean Connery in there, a bit of Brian Blessed but rather than paint those figures I’ve definitely painted George but with little quirky, micro expressions on his face to give a bit more character.
“I truly feel I’ve done my best to capture George.”
Cllr Farquhar is the town’s 110th Mayor.