Gerry Adams is about to get the chance to hang out with his nemesis Margaret Thatcher – thanks to the British National Portrait Gallery.
The leading London gallery has just purchased a portrait of the Sinn Fein leader by the English artist Conrad Atkinson.
The Irish Times reports that the work is made with acrylic, watercolour and oil pastel and was created when Atkinson met Adams in 2007 and 2008.
The painting is inscribed with words taken from writings by hunger striker Bobby Sands.
Previously displayed at an exhibition in Belfast’s Grand Opera House, the painting will now be open to the public at the London gallery where it will hang alongside other politicians, including Thatcher.
The gallery features the most extensive collection of portraits in the world and has many images of Thatcher as well as portraits of key political figures such as William Gladstone and royalty such as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, according to the paper.
Atkinson told the paper: “The purchase of the painting is a really good and important initiative by the gallery.
“I think they are quite brave to do it. There may well be no controversy but there may well be.”
The report also says that Atkinson has had a fractious relationship with the Ulster Museum following an incident in 1978 when museum attendants refused to hang one of his works, which commemorated the victims of Bloody Sunday.
The London gallery has yet to finalise a date for the arrival of the Adams portrait.
A spokesman said: “The sale has just been approved so a date had not yet been set for its display. It is early days yet as it’s still going through the process of acquisition.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.seanomelb | Nov 13, 2012, 06:03 PM EST
Well said clowngate you idiot
seanomelb | Nov 13, 2012, 09:07 AM EST
No fear of that, he is too well protected. lol
Towngate | Nov 12, 2012, 06:06 PM EST
A GARDA SPOKESMAN said: " Gearry did break out inta a nawful swet when he herd he was going to get hanged in London, so he dod!"
seamus60 | Nov 12, 2012, 05:19 PM EST
PhlutiePhan. The protesters did not cover their person with feces. Bobby didn`t die of or in the filth either, he died in a clean cell. Spice it up anyway you like it won`t change a thing.
seanomelb | Nov 12, 2012, 04:21 PM EST
Very true Seamus he is a consummate politician. Just ignore Phlutie is ignorance is typical of his ilk.
seamus60 | Nov 12, 2012, 03:14 PM EST
PhlutiePhan. Brave Bobby died so that those coming behind him would be recognised as political prisoners, something Adams still does not recognise. He preferrs to instill the label of CRIMINALISATION on republicans. Yet he feeds off the efferts of Bobby and others on a daily basis for his own agenda.
PhlutiePhan | Nov 12, 2012, 10:56 AM EST
@seamus60: Bobby Sands was one of those who protested by going naked and spreading feces liberally over his entire body and over his entire cell. Is it any wonder that he died in the filth? I like the example of my third grade educated grandmother who lived a good Christian life and whose father had left the old sod when he or his brother had killed a Black-and-Tan.
Murph46 | Nov 12, 2012, 10:48 AM EST
Gerry and Maggie sittin in a tree ........
seamus60 | Nov 12, 2012, 09:05 AM EST
Gerry will look right at home on the wall alongside other great famous Brits. As for the words of brave Bobby Sands. Hijacked yet again to benefit the bearded one. Just no shame.