Rolf!

An artistic legend came to Canberra today. Bigger than Hockney, Done or Damien Hirst it was Rolf Harris. He was here to help celebrate the opening of Canberra’s Portrait Gallery. It’s a tremendous building on the shores of Burley Griffin which opened for the first time last Thursday. Rolf was leading a children’s drawing session outside of the gallery and we joined the gang of parents and kids waiting with easels for his arrival. Amy pointed out that it was probably the parents who wanted to see Rolf more than the kids (I knew in my case this was most definitely the case).

He strolled into the area unannounced, dressed in paint stained trousers and trademark akubra hat and led us through a 30 minute session, on how best to draw portraits. Rolf’s a really unassuming character and was really good with the kids, wisecracking and chatting as he went through his show. Despite being 77 Rolf remains ageless. The Peter Pan of the art world. After the show he signed a book for us, and as we left he was surrounded by 30 children all clamouring for his time, wisdom and skill. Thanks for coming to Canberra Rolf, you made my day.