Christian Furr

Christian Furr, born in Merseyside in 1966, is a revolutionary British artist renowned for becoming the youngest artist to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. At just 28 years old, Furr was personally chosen by the Queen in 1995 for a commission by the Royal Overseas League. This remarkable opportunity catapulted him into the limelight and established his reputation as a significant figure in contemporary British art. His work has since adorned prestigious institutions such as the Saatchi Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, as well as being part of the private collection at the Vatican.

Christian’s painting style, described as "gentle, almost classical" by The Evening Standard, follows the strong tradition of representation in British modern and contemporary art. His nuanced palette and dedication to the medium of oil painting have kept this traditional form fresh and alive. Over the years, he has expanded his artistic language through collaborations with other artists, such as neon-artist Chris Bracey and legendary photographer Gered Mankowitz. These collaborations have enriched his work, allowing him to experiment with pure colour and broaden his audience. In 2008, he published "Take Art" - a guide for aspiring artists. 

In addition to his notable early achievement, Furr’s career has been marked by continuous recognition and accolades. In 2004, he received the Association of Colleges Award at the House of Commons, celebrating his excellence in the field of fine art. His prominence continued to rise, culminating in a mid-career retrospective in 2019 at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in his home borough of the Wirral. This retrospective showcased the evolution of his work and reaffirmed his status as a significant contemporary artist.

Furr’s contributions to the art world extend beyond his portraits. His works are collected privately around the globe and feature prominently in prestigious collections, including The Dorchester Collection's flagship art hotel '45 Park Lane' in London. His latest masterpiece, a 2.7-meter painting unveiled on 23rd January 2023 at the Dorchester Hotel, depicts the Serpentine and Hyde Park, highlighting his ongoing relevance and creativity. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as poetry, music, and cinema, Furr's art is a testament to his far-reaching interests and his ability to infuse traditional oil painting with contemporary significance.