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Pride as Jubilee artwork rescued

It was the greatest moment of his career – painting the Queen's Jubilee flotilla during one of the biggest celebrations ever seen in Britain.

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It was the greatest moment of his career – painting the Queen's Jubilee flotilla during one of the biggest celebrations ever seen in Britain.

But Derek Baker, who was in a select band of just 20 artists chosen to capture the festivities from a prime viewpoint on Millennium Bridge, saw his painting ruined by typical British weather.

Heavy rain left it badly damaged and he was forced to retire to his Wombourne studio to start all over again from scratch.

Now, three months later, his masterpiece is finally complete.

"I feel relieved – it's been a bit of a slog," Mr Baker, of Bridgnorth Road, said. "I pretty much had to start afresh as the rain has soaked the canvas and stained it." He had made sketches of people and taken numerous photos on the day, so didn't have to rely on memory to finish the painting.

The colourful acrylic canvas sees a gleeful crowd enjoying the occasion, with Mr Baker intending to capture the energy and the atmosphere of such a happy occasion.

The Queen and Prince Philip are of course included as well, alongside a British bulldog and in front of a London skyline. Mr Baker, who has kept in touch with some of the other artists now hopes his painting will be used in a London Jubilee exhibition.

Visit www.derekbaker.co.uk to view a selection of Mr Baker's work.

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