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Artist's Unique Mandela Access Revealed
25 Sep
Summary
- Artist Harold Riley painted Nelson Mandela from life.
- The portrait was created over 18 months and six sittings.
- A podcast shares the story behind the unique access.
Artist Harold Riley held the unique distinction of being the only person granted the opportunity to paint Nelson Mandela from life. This collaboration began when Mandela agreed to pose for the English artist, sparking a significant relationship.
Over a period of 18 months, Riley met with Mandela on six separate occasions in South Africa. These meetings culminated in a portrait that was unveiled in 2005. This artwork later achieved over $1 million at an auction in New York, with proceeds benefiting children's charities.
In 2025, a BBC World Service podcast episode utilized archived recordings of Harold Riley. This episode aimed to recount the narrative behind the artist's unparalleled access to Nelson Mandela, offering listeners insight into this historical connection.
The podcast 'Witness History' explores significant historical moments through firsthand accounts and archival sound. Each weekday episode delves into a pivotal event that shaped the world, featuring personal testimonies from those who were present.
