Royal Society Commission Attracts Diverse Artistic Talent
London - Novelist Elif Shafak and former rugby union star Joe Marler are among the artists vying for a £10,000 commission to paint a portrait of mathematician Prof Hannah Fry for the Royal Society. From professional artists to first-time painters, the competition seeks to capture the likeness of Fry, a prominent figure in the field of applied mathematics. The winning portrait will become part of the Royal Society’s distinguished collection.
The opportunity, announced today, highlights the intersection of art and science, offering a unique platform for artists from varied backgrounds. The Royal society, a fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists, regularly commissions portraits to celebrate its fellows and promote public engagement with science.
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Film Choice: Midnight Express (12.10am, Sky Cinema Greats) – Alan parker’s 1978 drama, starring Brad Davis and John Hurt, depicts the harrowing experience of an American drug smuggler imprisoned in Turkey. The screenwriter,Oliver Stone,later apologized for the portrayal of Turkey in the film.
(Correction: 8 October 2025) – An earlier version incorrectly stated A Remarkable Place to Die was an Australian crime drama; it is set in New Zealand.
