Kris (Lot 30)
Sponsor: Kris Cruisers • Artist: Matt Ponting
About the lion I grew up in the West Country so although I’m a city dweller now, I’ve always enjoyed the great outdoors. I’m also a big dog lover and birdwatcher so I've combined my interests with the beauty of Windsor itself. It struck me how lucky the Corgis are to be taken for walks around the beautiful gardens that surround Windsor Castle so it’s based on what they might see when they are out walking which is why I’ve called it Corgi’s Eye View! It was also a chance to celebrate British birdlife as I’m a member of the RSBP and have enjoyed drawing and sketching birds from a young age.
About the sponsor Kris Cruisers is a family run business with over 50 Years’ experience in the boat hire. We are members of the Visit England and British Marine Boat Grading Scheme. With a fleet of 16 holiday and 24 Day Boats to choose from, there’s no need to look anywhere else. The Kris Cruisers family are very happy and feel privileged to be able to sponsor a Windsor Lion to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria.
About the artist Hi! I’m Matt Ponting a London based artist that has a Studio with the Bow Arts Initiative. I specialise in London themed illustrations that appear on tourist memorabilia throughout the city. I was invited to showcase my illustrations at the BLE, Brand Licensing Show at Olympia and after that, received commissions to have my London illustrations put on jigsaws and t-shirts. This year I was even commissioned to design chocolate bar wrappers for the National Gallery which features their building surrounded by some of their famous artworks. I’ve also designed a billboard for a local catering business in Thamesmead, SE London and my work was displayed at bus stops across London as part of the London Loop competition last year. I currently have a display section in the Tower of London museum shop where my artwork is on items such as coasters, tote bags and tea towels. Aside from London I’ve also been commissioned to create my ‘cityscapes’ and ‘landmarks’ for Newcastle and Belfast. Earlier this year I had received my first editorial commission, to create an illustration for a woman’s magazine. I'm really excited about the chance to paint a Lion of Windsor as I'm a big supporter of public art and have really enjoyed visiting similar trails across London and beyond over the years.
Where? By the waters edge at Kris Cruisers, Southlea Road, Datchet SL3 9BU. Viewing 0900-1830 each day. Come and see the fabulous Kris lion, complete with image of life and nature on the River Thames, from a corgi's eye view! Why not hire a Kris Cruisers boat and head off on your own river safari!