Jonathan Yeo has unveiled a portrait of Sir David Attenborough to mark his 40 years of fellowship to the Royal Society. The oil painting depicts Attenborough seated against a green background with clasped hands. Yeo recently completed the first official portrait of King Charles III since his coronation. Sir David described Yeo as a “master” and was thrilled to have his portrait included in the Royal Society’s collection. The portrait was unveiled on The One Show on BBC One.
Sir David expressed gratitude to the natural history film makers and scientists who allowed his work to be possible. Yeo described Attenborough as a “personal inspiration” and it was “a huge honour” to paint his portrait. Yeo chose an “ambiguous natural green background” to place Attenborough in the various habitats he caught on film during his career.
In 1983, Sir David was elected a fellow of the Royal Society for his pioneering work in public engagement with science. The new portrait celebrates the ongoing role he has in educating audiences on climate change and biodiversity. The head of library and archives at the Royal Society, Keith Moore said Sir David has “touched as many people’s lives” in explaining the ideas behind science than any other. The portrait will be on display to the public at the Royal Society from 2 July.
Last month, animal-rights activists targeted Yeo’s recent portrait of King Charles III in a London art gallery, but the painting was unharmed. Yeo has also painted politicians Tony Blair and Malala Yousafzai
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