Staffordshire artist hopes Terry Wogan tribute can raise cash for charity
A Staffordshire artist is hoping his portrait of broadcasting legend Sir Terry Wogan can raise money for charity following the beloved presenter's death.
Former art teacher Pete Mason, from Hednesford, created a unique portrait of Sir Terry three years ago, made entirely from stamps, to go alongside his collection which includes Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and more.
Mr Mason said that Sir Terry was an 'inspiration' and embodied his belief that 'old is the new young'.
He compiled the portrait as a mark of respect to the veteran broadcaster before he died and sent it over to Children In Need to be auctioned off to raise money. After being initially told there was interest in selling the portrait to the highest bidder by bosses at the charity, nothing was done.
Mr Mason now hopes the portrait can be dug out and used to raise money following Sir Terry's death.
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He said: "I often give away my portraits and so it doesn't bother me that I don't have it anymore, I presume it is in an archive somewhere. It would be nice now to get it dug out and used for a good cause though."
Tributes have been pouring in from across the Black Country to the legendary presenter whose career spanned more than four decades and covered radio, game shows, chat shows, Children in Need and the Eurovision Song Contest. Mr Mason said he couldn't believe it when the news broke of Sir Terry's death to cancer at the age of 77.
Tributes pour in for Sir Terry Wogan
He said: "I think I had a similar reaction to a lot of people when I thought I had misheard the news. He seemed so full of life, even in his later public appearances. He was a talent that will be sorely missed, a real inspiration to people in his field and to ordinary people who he entertained for so long. A lot of my portraits are of people I admire, people who I feel embody my idea that old is the new young. Sir Terry was an inspiration and embodied that, he didn't let age stop him doing what he loved."
The Limerick-born star died surrounded by his family after 'a short but brave battle with cancer'.
