A new vision of King Richard III

Claire Small
Authored by Claire Small
Posted Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - 11:07pm

On 1 December, The Medieval Gallery in Dunster is hosting a major event entitled “Picturing Richard’s World”, which could radically overturn the image we have inherited of this most controversial king. Including talks by experts, artwork displays and the unveiling of a brand new portrait, this event offers a rare opportunity to see artistic interpretations of the latest scientific evidence and modern historical research.

Richard III has been demonized as the sinister, physically misshapen figure who murdered his nephews – the “Princes in the Tower” – by successive generations of historians, artists and playwrights. He was perhaps most memorably portrayed by Laurence Olivier in his film adaptation of the Shakespeare play, in which Richard is presented as an almost pantomime villain with a hunchback, huge nose and scuttling walk.

Since the discovery of Richard’s physical remains in a Leicester city car park in 2012, historians and scientists have been able to refute conclusively at least a part of the legend inherited from Shakespeare and the Tudors. A forensic facial reconstruction using Richard’s skull is the starting point for a unique painting of him by the internationally acclaimed Danish artist Anne Gyrite Schütt. In a development from an earlier portrait by the artist (pictured), she has created this painting in the 15th century Flemish style, which most probably would have been used had Richard commissioned a royal portrait of himself.

At the Medieval Gallery’s event to unveil this picture, you will see an image of Richard as he would actually have appeared to his subjects.

Richard’s character also comes under scrutiny at the event in a talk entitled; “Six Months in 1483” by the acclaimed author and historian Annette Carson. This will examine Richard’s role as Lord Protector and considers if his image as a scheming usurper and murderer is really justified.

Also on display will be the impressive cycle of original artwork on the Battle of Bosworth created by Matthew Ryan for the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. Matthew, whose many prestigious commissions include artwork for the Tower of London, will be speaking at the event to talk about the artistic problems of creating the Bosworth images.

Other lectures include the role of the army medic or barber surgeon during the Wars of the Roses, and this will be delivered by Paul Hockey founder of the prestigious reenactor’s society The Taunton Garrison. Finally, no picture is complete without a frame, and Tim Lambon, artist, and ex –BBC, ITN and Channel 4 cameraman and journalist, will give a talk on the historical research and techniques involved in creating authentic late Medieval frames.

Rarely has this critical period of English history been so vividly brought to life as it will be at this unique event.

“Picturing Richard’s World” takes place on Saturday 1 December in two parts: first, talks and displays at the Tithe Barn from 1–4pm.

This will be followed by the unveiling of the new portrait, accompanied by live medieval music and refreshments from 4.30–6pm at the Medieval Gallery.

Tickets cost £14 (concessions £10), and can be obtained by phoning and leaving a message on 01643 822224 or by emailing enquiries@medievalgallery.co.uk.

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