Defiant Vettriano sets up exclusive fan club for himself

Published on Saturday 27 September 2008 19:55

OVER the years, he has been sneered at by critics and shunned by gallery owners.

But Jack Vettriano is hitting back at his detractors by launching his own fan club, in a move thought to be the first of its kind in the art world.

The Fife artist is using his website to create an exclusive organisation for dedicated supporters prepared to stump up an as yet undisclosed fee.

Some gallery owners have labelled the project "a shameless act of vanity" and an "undignified stunt".

In 1993, Vettriano, who is one of the world's most popular artists, established a lucrative deal with London's Portland Gallery, where his works were displayed and sold.

But the partnership has been dissolved after a falling out, and his works are now being displayed and marketed from his own official website.

On the site, the creator of the iconic Singing Butler has revealed that he is looking to create a group for his fans. It states: "We will soon be launching an online Private Members' Club. Membership to the Club will include a number of benefits."

Those joining the organisation will receive 100 in gift vouchers, exclusive chances to buy paintings, and priority booking for events where Vettriano will appear."

Those who are interested in joining the club are invited to submit their information.

Vettriano's spokeswoman Isobel Delacroix said: "Unfortunately, we are not yet ready to release further information."

Tom Hewlett, of the Portland Gallery, who worked closely with the Scot for many years, was unaware of the venture.

He said: "I haven't looked at Jack's website for some time now and I really don't know what he is planning. I am trying to distance myself from Jack and what he is doing, and I'm sure he is doing the same."

But a former associate of Vettriano heaped scorn on the project. He said: "Is this a dignified thing to do? Does Damien Hirst have a fan club? I think not. This is the kind of thing you would expect a teenage pop star to do, rather than a middle-aged artist. It's little more than an act of shameless vanity."

As for Vettriano, he once said of his website: "I'm delighted that fans of my paintings will be able to see a body of work, online, of which I'm very proud."