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Islington Tribune - by JAMIE WELHAM
Published: 25 January 2008

Ken Clarke portrait

Self-trained painter is a law unto herself

CONSERVATVE grandee Kenneth Clarke MP was in Islington explaining how he reluctantly allowed a completely unknown artist with no formal art training to paint his portrait.
That sitting was three years ago – but this week the former Chancellor for the first time in public sang the praises of the artist at an exhibition of her work at the Chambers Gallery in Farringdon.
Christine Youldon has painted 33 legal eagles – including Cherie Blair, Michael Mansfield, Lord Falconer and Fiona Shackleton – for her exhibition, Lawyers.
A solicitor in the City for 10 years, Ms Youldon has had no formal training apart from A-level art. But it seems legal people are queuing up to be captured by her on canvas.
Mr Clarke said: “I was persuaded to sit for Christine by a mutual solicitor friend . I would normally decline such an invitation. My friend did explain she had no formal training. But I thought I’d give her a chance. She did a very good and professional job. I have the portrait hanging in my London home. It’s extremely difficult for anyone to break into portrait painting.
“She’s definitely worth encouraging and I wish her well.

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