The new portrait of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, which was painted by York-born artist Theo Platt

The artist behind the latest portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales, is a successful painter from York.

Theo Platt's proud father today spoke to the Evening Press about his son's road to painting fame.

Russell Platt, 79, who lives in Chapter House Street, York with his wife, Margaret, said Theo had worked to build up a successful portrait-painting business since he left art college.

Theo, 39, grew up in York and attended Shipton Street, Knavesmire and Archbishop Holgate Schools before studying at York College of Art and Technology. He gained a place at St Martin's College in London on the evidence of his abstract painting. Russell, also an artist, said: "When he got there he started going into the National Gallery and he thought 'this stuff's better' and started copying Rembrandts and Caravaggios."

When he left college he set up a portrait-painting business by signing up to a Government enterprise scheme, using £1,000 he had saved up. He wrote to every member of the Tory cabinet, telling them about his business, and offering to paint their portraits. The only member to take him up on the offer was Sir Michael Havers, but portraits of other members of his family followed, including Nigel Havers, and Theo's business was off the ground. He has since painted portraits in America and Britain and it was his portrait of brewery chairman John Young which led to the Diana commission.

Theo has two brothers, Hugo and Jonathan, and a sister, Kate, who all now live in London and are artists. His mother Margaret used to teach at York College of Art and Technology.

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