Subject of portrait donates painting to Queen's.
A little piece of peace process continuity was achieved at Queen's University Belfast yesterday evening when former US senator George Mitchell received a portrait of Baroness May Blood on behalf of the college.
The portrait of the well-known community activist, who was involved with the Women's Coalition during the run-up to the Belfast Agreement, is by Belfast artist Nicola Russell, who has also painted President Bill Clinton and Dr Mo Mowlam.
Eleven years ago Mr Mitchell, who chaired the agreement negotiations, unveiled Russell's portrait of Mr Clinton in the Europa Hotel in central Belfast.
Russell, who has also made an artistic impact painting some of Ireland's most famous race horses, was last year commissioned by the North's Integrated Education Fund to paint its chairwoman, Baroness Blood.
She in turn decided to donate the portrait to Queen's University, where she serves on its senate body.
Russell said she was inspired to paint Mr Clinton, the late northern secretary Dr Mowlam and now Baroness Blood because of their commitment to the peace process, and eventually she hopes to paint Mr Mitchell.
"These people have dramatically shaped our society. I am delighted that George Mitchell is involved in May's portrait - he is the only one who remains to be painted and I have him in my sight."
