Artist’s corner

This month sees the launch of a new art exhibition in London, themed ‘The joys of being British’. The collection of work features a wide range of subjects, from native wildlife and landscapes to portraits – one of which, Floreas Britannia, depicts a nurse. I spoke to the piece’s creator, Francis Salvesen, on the welcome tribute to one of the nursing professions, and why he felt it was important to have them represented in his latest exhibition.

Francis, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. When did your interest in art first begin?

FS: I have always made art, from a very early age at school. I used to leave the latch of one of the windows of the art block open so that on weekends and evenings I could sneak in and paint! Since then, I have always painted for friends and family, giving the work as gifts for significant birthdays and events. We weren’t really taught art as much in school, it was always viewed as a ‘great hobby’ to have by my parents. It was never considered a potential career, but it eventually became one of my greatest passions.