Paton T2 painting for charity auction
AN autographed reproduction of one of Scotland’s best-loved paintings, which plays a key role in the new Trainspotting film, is set to go under the hammer at a charity auction.
Avril Paton’s well-known depiction of Glasgow tenement life, Windows in the West, is expected to gain a new generation of fans as a result of its appearance in the hotly-anticipated sequel.
The watercolour features in two scenes in T2 Trainspotting after director Danny Boyle, a long-time fan of the work, asked if it could be included in his movie.
A print made for the production team and signed by four of its stars, i ncluding Ewan McGregor and Ewen Bremner, will be sold next month at the annual ball for learning disability charity Enable Scotland.
Avril, who lives in Glasgow, said: “It turned out Danny Boyle particularly wanted this image in the film. You’re not going to say no to that kind of offer, are you? I was awfully pleased. I’m still very happy about it.
“Nothing pleases you more than another artist liking your work. You get such a pleasure when somebody else whose work you respect likes your work.”
The 1993 work depicts a tene- ment block in Glasgow’s Saltoun Street, which had been transformed by a sudden flurry of snow.
The reproduction is a print originally made by Paton for the film set. The crew later requested a bigger version which was ultimately used in the movie.
Boyle, McGregor and Bremner have all signed the print – something the artist believes adds to the piece.
The 75-year-old said: “The print that they signed, it looks terrific. It just looks really nice with the signatures. Somehow or other, it works.
“I’m certainly hoping at the ball that it fetches a substantial amount of money.”
The charity’s 23rd ball will take place on Saturday, February 25 at Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
A limited number of tickets are available at www.enableball.org. uk