‘Superhero’ takes pride of place at Leamington gallery

Leamington artist Paul Jordan took the opportunity to paint the explorer, who was the first person to ski solo to both the North and South Poles last year.

Paul said he “wanted to paint real life super heroes” and was also was very attracted to the work Mark - who shares his experiences with schools via Skype calls - does with children.

During last year’s expedition, which Mark completed in six months, the adventurist raised awareness of climate change and ran a schools programme called ‘My life in a Freezer’.

Since then he has climbed Mount Everest in May this year and is planning to join two others on an expedition to the North Pole in February, during which they will cross the Arctic Ocean to study the effects of global warming.

Mark also fundraises for the Force Select Foundation, which supports Britain’s former servicemen and women, and Cancer Research UK.

The painting was part of Gallery 150’s Summer Show, which featured a range of varied works by artists from around the area. Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite artwork. The artist with the most votes will win £500 and the visitors will be entered into a draw to win a photographic print by Leamington photographer Hillary Roberts.

The show has been curated by the gallery’s new manager Kate Livingston, who said: “I look forward to working with local artists and bringing new artists from further afield to Warwickshire.”

Gallery 150 is in Regent Court in Livery Street and opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. To find out more about what’s on at the venue, which is run by volunteers, visit www.gallery150.co.uk