Sir Edward Penny

Size: 55.5cm x 65.5cm

Medium: Acrylic and velvet

Detail: Marking 300 Years Since the Birth of Sir Joshua Reynolds. As part of the 300th anniversary celebrations of Sir Joshua Reynolds—founder of the Royal Academy in London and former resident of Knutsford— Sheila Scholes created this unique portrait in honour of the occasion for the Knutsford Historical Society.

Inspired by the well-known image of Reynolds in a blue velvet suit, Sheila added her own imaginative twist. She incorporated real velvet into the painting as part of a collage technique, giving the work both texture and depth. In a playful and modern detail, she also signed her name on his wrist like a tattoo—blending classical portraiture with contemporary creativity.