Andrew Vicari facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Vicari
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Vicari in 2007
|
|
| Born | 20 April 1932 Port Talbot, Wales
|
| Died | 3 October 2016 (aged 84) Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Wales
|
| Education | Neath Grammar School |
| Alma mater | Slade School of Fine Art |
| Occupation | Artist |
Andrew Vicari (born Andrea Antonio Giovanni Vaccari) was a famous Welsh painter. He was born on April 20, 1932, and passed away on October 3, 2016. He became well-known for painting portraits of important people, especially in France. Even though many people in his home country, Wales, didn't know him, Andrew Vicari was once Britain's richest living painter. At one point, he was even the 18th richest person in Britain!
Early Life and Education
Andrew Vicari was born in Port Talbot, Wales, in 1932. His parents, Vittorio and Italini, were from Italy. During World War II, he was moved to Aberdare for safety. He later went to Neath Grammar School for Boys.
When he was just 12 years old, Andrew won a Gold Medal for Painting. This was at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, a big cultural festival. From 1950 to 1952, he studied painting at the Slade School of Fine Art. This art school is part of University College London. His teachers included famous artists like William Coldstream and sometimes Lucian Freud. He almost didn't get into the Slade, but he was accepted when another student left.
Painting Career
After only two years, in 1952, Vicari left the Slade without finishing his degree. He moved to Florence, Italy, a city famous for its art. He also spent time in Rome. After two years, he came back to the UK without much money.
He started working as a portrait painter in London. In 1961, a large exhibition of his art was held. It was in a big showroom near Leicester Square. A famous band leader named Jack Hylton helped pay for the show. Andrew Vicari liked to paint realistic pictures using oil paints. He didn't follow newer art trends. His art is popular all over the world, especially in the Middle East. Three museums there are dedicated only to his work.
Official Painter to Saudi Arabia
In 1974, Andrew Vicari became the official painter for the King of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Government. For many years, he painted portraits of the Saudi royal family. He also painted scenes of Riyadh, the capital city, and pictures of Bedouin life. Bedouins are nomadic people who live in the desert.
This special job helped Vicari become very successful and wealthy. In 2011, The New York Times newspaper called him "The Rembrandt of Riyadh." Rembrandt was a very famous Dutch painter. In 2001, Vicari sold a collection of 125 paintings. These paintings showed scenes from the Gulf War. He sold them to Prince Khaled for £17 million.
Personal Life
Andrew Vicari lived and worked in his art studio outside Nice, France. He also owned homes in Riyadh and Monte Carlo.
In 2006, his wealth was estimated at £92 million by the Sunday Times Rich List. This list ranks the richest people in the UK. Andrew Vicari passed away at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, Wales, on October 3, 2016. He was 84 years old.
