A LASTING image has been created of the Queen’s visit to Henley in the summer.

The flotilla that Her Majesty witnessed at the Henley Business School at Greenlands in June has been captured in a painting by artist Bill Mundy — with a few added extras.

The view would have been impossible to photograph as the 30 or so boats that took part in the river pageant went past one by one.

Mr Mundy, of Wargrave Road, Henley, said: “I have chosen to paint my favourite boats, among them Glorianna, Royal Thamesis and Alaska.”

The latter was the boat the Queen used to travel to the school from Hambleden lock while Mr Mundy was on the New Orleans. He said: “Among the sea of figures in the background is the Queen, painted about a quarter of an inch high.”


In the foreground of the 30in watercolour is a punt carrying Kenton Theatre trustee Alan Pontin and his wife Carole while on the far bank are skiffs used by swan uppers and the Queen’s swan marker David Barber.

On the far right in the foreground are Ratty and Toad from the Wind in the Willows in a nod to the River and Rowing Museum.Mr Mundy is planning to produce limited edition prints of the painting to sell.

About 4,000 people attended the party to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee, including civic, community and business leaders and representatives of voluntary organisations and charities. More than a quarter of the guests applied for tickets via a public ballot.

Published 31/12/12