A portrait of the former Mayor of Charnwood, painted by a Loughborough College student, has been officially unveiled.
Charnwood Borough Council commissioned Catherine Hewitt, then 17 and studying art with the College, to produce the portrait and it was revealed to Cllr Pauline Ranson for the first time at a special event this week.
“I felt very privileged to have been given such a major commission and proud to have the opportunity to present it to the former Mayor,” said Cat.
“I was shocked when Loughborough College offered me the commission but it was an amazing opportunity. I had painted other portraits but this was definitely a step up.
“I spent days and days on it from morning until late, eager for it to be as professional as possible but I knew that when I handed it to the former Mayor, this was the first time she was seeing it, so I was quite nervous. It was really nice to see how pleased she was.
“I was told it will take pride of place alongside other portraits at the Town Hall, some of them more than 100 years old. It is amazing.
“It is certainly finishing my time with Loughborough College on a high. My A-level teachers for Psychology, Geography and Art have been great, so supportive, particularly my art teacher Gary Stefanetti. I am very sad to leave but excited to be starting my degree in primary school teaching and art at Reading University.”
Loughborough College art tutor Gary Stefanetti said: “Myself and the art team had complete faith that, although then only 17, Cat could take on a commission of this calibre. You cannot teach someone to achieve the level of realism needed for portraiture. That is talent.”
John Doherty, CEO at Loughborough College, added: “It was wonderful that Charnwood came to Loughborough College with this commission, which reinforces more than a century of strong civic links between the College and the town. Cat has created an outstanding portrait of the former Mayor and Cllr Ranson was delighted when Cat presented it to her.
“We feel privileged that Charnwood has chosen to return to Loughborough College to commission a portrait of the current Mayor. Meanwhile, we wish Cat the very best as she moves on to what will undoubtedly be a very bright future.”
Pictured: (from left) Loughborough College CEO John Doherty, Charnwood Borough Council leader Jonathan Morgan, Catherine Hewitt, Cllr Pauline Ranson, Mayor of Charnwood Cllr Christine Harris and Loughborough College Chair of Governors Audrey Traynor