New Portrait of David Attenborough Unveiled
A new portrait of Sir David Attenborough, painted by Jonathan Yeo, has been unveiled to mark the broadcaster's 40 years as a fellow of the Royal Society.
The oil painting, featuring Sir David against a green background, was revealed on BBC's The One Show and will be displayed at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition from July 2nd to July 7th.
Sir David, 98, said he was honoured to be included in the Royal Society's collection, praising Yeo as a "master" and reflecting on his career dedicated to exploring and sharing the natural world's beauty and fragility. He credited natural history filmmakers and scientists for their crucial roles in his work.
Yeo, known for his portraits of King Charles III and Malala Yousafzai, described painting Sir David as a "huge honour" and highlighted the broadcaster's impact on raising awareness about climate change and biodiversity. He aimed to capture Sir David's "wisdom and thoughtfulness" along with his "childlike, infectious enthusiasm."
The Royal Society's head of library and archives, Keith Moore, celebrated the addition, noting Sir David's unparalleled ability to engage the public in scientific ideas and their impact on the world. Moore stated, "He’s one of a kind."
The portrait joins an illustrious collection featuring scientists like Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, underscoring Sir David's unique contribution to science communication.
