A University of Worcester graduate and former Associate Lecturer has painted a special portrait of the University’s out-going Chair of Governors.
Tania's portrait of John Bateman OBE, and, pictured below, graduate Tania March
Malvern-based portrait painter, Tania March, was commissioned to create the portrait of John Bateman OBE as a celebration of his seven years in office. It is tradition to have a portrait of the Chair of Governors upon retirement of the role, which will hang at the University.
“I was thrilled to receive the commission to paint the portrait of John Bateman upon his retirement as the Chair of Governors at the University of Worcester, as I have an enormous amount of respect for John as a person, and for his valuable contribution to society throughout his life,” she said.
“After an initial informal meeting with John, the process began with a series of photoshoots on location so I could obtain some photographs to use as reference material. Our interesting conversations continued which helped relax this part of the process.
“What I found most interesting about this particular 'formal' portrait commission was that John is an informal, free spirited independent thinker with a natural relaxed demeanour, so from the beginning I knew I had to express this while retaining some degree of formality.”
The portrait is approximately one and a half times life-size, painted in oils on canvas.
“I worked from a number of different photographs as reference as no single one contained all of the visual information I needed,” said Tania, who completed both her undergraduate and Master's degrees at the University, and has completed numerous portraits, including the Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, which hangs in the Cathedral.
“Throughout the painting process, my aim was to capture John's mannerisms, his kind, compassionate nature, and his humanity.
“I would like to thank the University of Worcester for this opportunity, and John Bateman for making the whole process a real pleasure.”
John Bateman OBE said: "It has been both a privilege and an honour to be associated with the University of Worcester as a Governor for 15 years and Chair for the last 7. The University has grown and developed significantly over this time yet retains its special relationship with the city and county whilst extending its influence on the international stage. This is a testament to the outstanding executive leadership provided by the Vice Chancellor and staff at all levels.
“I was particularly pleased that the University commissioned Tania, an extremely talented graduate from Worcester, to paint my portrait. The experience of meeting yourself in a portrait produced by an artist as they visualise you is an unusual and interesting experience, but I could not have been more pleased with the result. I feel that Tania has captured me in a way that I could not have imagined possible.”
University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE DL, said: “John Bateman proved to be an outstanding chair of the University’s Board of Governors. The former chief executive of UK Youth, John has been notable for his concern for students, his insight and wisdom. This is an outstanding portrait and we are very proud of our graduate Tania, who is proving to be such a fine artist.”