Cllr George Farquhar was delighted to receive a portrait of himself created by Dhanraz Ramdharry, a local artist.
The painting also pays homage to one of George’s charities, Every Paw Matters, in Bournemouth.
George said: “I first met the artist Dhanraz Ramdharry at my first mayoral engagement with Billy, my rescue greyhound.
“This was at the Shake & Stir Festival where Dhan had a tent with his paintings, particularly of pet dogs caught my eye.
“Dhan said he was on the lookout for character faces for portraits, which I took as a compliment. He described his use of techniques as being the same as those used by traditional classical art schools in Italy going back centuries.
“Fast forward a few months and friends encouraged me to sit for Dhan. I invited him to the Bournemouth Mayor’s Parlour for some inspiration.
“The likeness captured for both me and Billy is remarkable that Dhan has caught our characters so well. And the use of light is so well executed.
“I look forward to the official unveiling In the Mayor’s Parlour in early March, where folk can see the inspiration reflective of the hundred-year-old oil paintings hanging on the walls there.
“This painting captures that need for relevance, and it fits in with the hundred-year-old paintings in the Parlour to keep the role vibrant and personable for the 21st century.”
Dhan said: “I am a classically trained portrait painter who has studied traditional methods of drawing and painting from life.
“The painting of George came around after I had a chance meeting with him last summer. He saw a life-sized painting of my daughter and our dog. He commented that he loves and rescues dogs and would love to have a painting of him and Billy.”
He added: “In the painting itself, George wanted a more relaxed style compared with other paintings of past mayors, so the slightly jaunty seating position was decided upon.
“I have lived in Bournemouth since I was eight. I adore this town, and felt it would be a lovely legacy and gift showing the pleasant nature and kindness of our present mayor.”
