[Janette]

ROLF HARRIS JOINS THE GREAT MASTERS

ROLF Harris is to be honoured with an exhibition of his work at the National Gallery.

He will display works based on well-loved masterpieces such as Monet's Waterlilies and Van Gogh's Sunflowers.

Rolf, famed for his large scale cartoon drawings for TV in the Seventies, said it was the "dream of a lifetime".

The show is to tie in with a new series of Rolf on Art to be screened next month.

The Aussie star, whose exhibition begins on November 2, said: "As an artist there is no higher recognition than to be invited to have my paintings exhibited in the National Gallery, one of the finest galleries in the world.

"This is the dream of a lifetime. The great British institutions the BBC and the National Gallery are two of the custodians of our cultural heritage. I am immensely proud and honoured to be associated with both of them."

Charles Saumarez Smith, director of the gallery, said: "We are delighted to give the public an opportunity to see the paintings produced by Rolf Harris for his immensely popular programme in the National Gallery, where they can also see paintings by the artists who inspired him, such Monet and Degas and masters such as Van Gogh and Rousseau."

The first series of Rolf On Art became the most watched arts programme ever screened.

Rolf said: "During the making of Rolf on Art, I was genuinely inspired to do more painting - in fact I haven't put my brushes down since.

"For the first time in many years, I felt the joy as I painted, of sharing my thoughts and my tips with the audience. The thought of being able to do it all again is hugely exciting."

In the shows he recreates a series of great works.

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Does anyone else remember Rolf in the 70's with his wonderful paintings?

I'm so pleased for him