Former Eastbourne College Pupil Offers Portrait of the Dalai Lama for Masterpieces Art Auction

A portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, painted in person by former Eastbourne College art scholar Ben Wolstenholme, has been donated by the artist for the upcoming Eastbournian Society’s Masterpieces Art Auction. 

The oil study was a special commission to mark His Holiness’s 90th year. Wolstenholme said, “In March of this year, I had the intense and surreal honour of travelling to Dharamsala, India in the foothills of the Himalayas to meet with His Holiness as well as his spiritual guide The Oracle, High Lamas and Members of Tibetan Government. Needless to say, it was a profound adventure. His Holiness was playful and joyous throughout my time with him.” 

“Having made sketches, notes and taken reference photographs, this A5 oil study is part of my preparation for the large oil painting. Here, I am mainly looking at composition and trying to capture the concern and warmth he holds.” 

He continued, “With so much turmoil and conflict in the world, whatever one’s belief system, the Buddhist message resounds as one of compassion and love for all beings. I hope the painting will go to a good home and can be enjoyed as a symbol of the values we need more of in the world.” 

The painting is one of 322 original artworks donated for the auction by current and former pupils and the wider Eastbourne College community. Bidding starts at just £10 with all proceeds going towards the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal, providing life-changing educational opportunities to young people who could not otherwise attend Eastbourne College. 

“To own a meaningful piece of artwork, especially something as rare as this portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is a privilege,” said Emma Garrett, Director of the Eastbournian Society. “To change the lives of talented children otherwise unable to access the opportunities at Eastbourne College will make the purchase even more special.” 

To browse the full collection and place your bids, visit the online auction website. Bidders must register an account to participate. For questions, contact the Eastbournian Society at es@eastbourne-college.co.uk. 

The auction will run online from 7pm on Friday 20 June to 12 noon on Tuesday 1 July. The Auction site is here: https://bid.indy.auction/auctions/684ab8b5911e068f7367f806 Or can be accessed via: https://eastbourniansociety.org/event/masterpieces-art-auction-now-live