A painting by a British artist with Down’s syndrome has been chosen by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to hang in their son’s nursery.
The artist, 43-year-old Tazia Fawley, offered the work to Kate and William before the royal baby’s arrival and was thrilled to receive a thank you note from the palace informing her that the couple were pleased with the painting and requested to keep it.
Tazia, an established artist who has been working at her trade for more than a decade, had hoped the couple would like the painting that she worked on for six months.
The brightly-coloured painting, captures a snapshot of the Bristol Balloon Festival with colourful balloons floating through the air, and children’s book character Rupert the Bear.”
The painting is of the Bristol Balloon Festival and it’s one of my favourite pieces of work,” Tazia told SWNS news.
“I gave it to Kate and Wills as a present, because they seem like good people and they wanted to bring some colour into their son’s nursery.
“I’m so excited to know that my painting will be seen by the most famous baby in the world.”
The painting was passed on to St James Palace by charity Heart and Sold, which supports artists with Down’s syndrome.
Suzie Moffatt from the charity contacted the palace before Prince George was born see if they would like Tazia’s art for the baby’s nursery, and was thrilled to receive a note saying the couple like the work.
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge request to send best wishes to Suzie Moffatt and Tazia Fawley for their generous gift,” a letter from the Palace read.
“I was thrilled when the Palace replied saying that they’d love the artwork so we sent it over to them,” Ms Moffatt said.
“They were extremely positive towards the artwork and were very supportive of the charity which was brilliant.
“It’s such a lovely piece, and Tazia is such a great artist.”
Tazia, who lives with her mother in Somerset, has been painting for 14 years and works from a studio in their back garden.
She mostly paints landscapes but has also painted a series of pictures of balloons, her favourite of which she gifted to the young royals.
“I don’t really have any favourite artists, I just like painting what I like painting, and that’s about it,” she said.
“I’m not trying to copy anyone else, I paint because I love it and it makes me very happy.”
Tazia’s mother, Gylda, said she is very proud of her daughter and hopes her work can “change a few attitudes about what a dedicated person with Down’s can do.”