23/04/2026
The Viking by Ron Gittins
This previously unseen portrait by Ron was kindly shared with us during our last AGM by his friend Peter Smedley. Here is what Peter had to say about this painting, which forms part of his private collection:
'This painting was begun in 1976. Ron did a few portraits at the time, including 'The Buccaneer' and so on. I was chosen as a subject because I looked like a Viking at the time, and I was tall like Harald Hardrada (Harald Sigurdsson), whom I modelled for Ron. In recent times, Stephen Harding has expressed interest in seeing it. What will amaze people about this painting is that it underwent a metamorphosis over 25 years, until I got Ron to sign it as finished in 2001. It will undoubtedly facilitate X-ray analysis. He was very proud of it, and he hoped it would benefit me one day. I provided Ron with some basic materials for the painting over time. For example, the horn came from my visit to West Africa in 1971, the helmet was depicted in one of my books and so on. In particular, the background was altered several times. The model for the runestone came from my friend when he visited Sweden and brought me back a present. Intriguingly, it was first displayed at the Caernarvon Castle pub in 1976, so some Wirral people will remember it. Everybody comments on the eyes, which are absolutely captivating. I believe only Ron could breathe life into the eyes, as depicted in this painting. The folk singer Judy Collins is intrinsic to the development of this painting, but that really is another story. At Ron's insistence, my late sister Diane is featured in the painting. He was fond of her, and he knew how much she looked up to me.'
Big thanks to Peter for sharing this fantastic little story and the painting with us. It is always such a joy to see more of Ron's art being part of other people's lives!
