Portrait raises cash for Trust (From Evesham Journal)

Portrait raises cash for Trust

10:15am Wednesday 13th August 2008

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A VALE charity was hundreds of pounds better off this week after TV impressionist Alistair McGowan lashed out his cash to buy a portrait of himself as a present for his mum.

The painting, by local artist Mike Bagshaw, was originally to have been auctioned for charity.

But when Alistair head how much his mum liked it, he handed over a cheque for £300, asking that the money should go to the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust.

Mike, a business psychologist, has painted a number of portraits of local celebrities including a highly-acclaimed picture of Mayor Alan Booth which was sold at auction to raise money for the mayor’s charities. It is believed to have fetched £250, although he is unaware of the identity of the buyer.

His latest work is a portrait of a young woman who has become a familiar figure in the town centre where she sells the Big Issue at the top of Bridge Street.

“I have always enjoyed painting and I am delighted Mrs McGowan was so impressed with the portrait of her son,” Mike said.

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