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Glastonbury founder, Michael Eavis has been commemorated with a specially-commissioned portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. He has also been named as a patron of Somerset’s Radstock Museum
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Jul 2022
The portrait, painted by Sir Peter Blake CBE, depicts Michael Eavis in front of Glastonbury’s iconic Pyramid Stage Credit: Damian Griffits/Waddington Custot
The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) has unveiled a new portrait of Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis.
Painted by Sir Peter Blake, the portrait depicts Eavis standing in front of the iconic Pyramid Stage, which has hosted acts such as David Bowie, Dolly Parton, T.Rex and Lizzo.
It was officially unveiled during the 2022 festival, which took place in late June, and will go on public display when the NPG reopens in 2023, following the completion of its extensive renovation project; Inspiring People.
“I’m so pleased to have been painted by my old friend Peter, and that my portrait is his first commission for the NPG. That’s a rare treat for a Somerset dairy farmer,” said Eavis.
Commenting on the portrait, NPG director Dr Nicholas Cullinan said: “Celebrating both the sitter and artist’s major contributions to British art and culture, we’re delighted to have commissioned this new project of Michael Eavis by Sir Peter Blake for the NPG’s collection.
“As a fantastic addition to our contemporary collection, we very much look forward to exhibiting this wonderful portrait when our transformed gallery reopens in 2023.”
Bryn Hawkins, chairman of the Somerset Miner’s Trust, with Michael Eavis at the Radstock Museum
Eavis has also recently been named Patron of the Radstock Museum in Somerset, UK, which shares the history of coal mining in the region.
A former coal miner, Eavis worked at the nearby New Rock Colliery to supplement the farm’s income during his teen years. He was also allowed to complete his national service at the New Rock Colliery rather than with the Merchant Navy, something he credits with keeping the farm financially afloat.
“If I had not gone down the mines and stayed at sea, the farm would have been lost and there would be no Glastonbury Festival,” he said.
The now 86-year-old Eavis continues to be an active member of the local coal miner community, serving as the president of the Somerset Miner’s Welfare Trust and attending the Radstock’s Annual Miner’s Reunion event every year.
Museum volunteer Lucy Tudor said: “Michael Eavis will help keep the memory of those miners and the hard and dangerous lives they led alive by helping to tell their story which is so dramatically and informatively displayed within the museum. We’re delighted to have him as our patron.”
Eavis added: “It’s an honour to be asked, and an honour to be the Patron of Radstock Museum, it is a great little museum.”
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