Nigel Farage portrait worth £25k fails to attract single bid

Nigel Farage is the poster boy of Brexit, but art lovers did not want his picture hanging on their wall after a portrait of the former Ukip leader failed to attract a single bid at an exclusive exhibition.

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage. Picture: Steven Scott Taylor

A painting of Mr Farage by the celebrated Welsh artist David Griffiths was listed as part of the Royal Academy’s summer show for £25,000.

But the portrait, showing the arch-Brexiteer in his trademark Del Boy-style Covert coat, clearly did not appeal to art fans visiting this year’s show as it did not secure a single bid.

The inclusion of Mr Farage in the exhibition divided opinion on social media.

Mr Griffiths has painted a raft of famous faces, including the Prince of Wales, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and former prime minister Lord Callaghan.

However, he said he was not disappointed his latest portrait had failed in attracting any bidders in this year’s show.

Mr Griffiths told The Sun: “These things ebb and flow.

“Prices of paintings like everything else aren’t set in stone. It would certainly be gratifying if Nigel’s portrait were to find a good home.”

The artist painted Mr Farage after a mutual friend got in touch to suggest him as a subject.

Mr Griffiths added: “He is a major figure, whatever you think of him. He’s Mr Brexit, isn’t he?”

Mr Farage recently stated he will re-enter frontline politics in a bid to put pressure on Theresa May’s plans for Brexit.

The 54-year-old has joined the pro-Brexit Leave Means Leave campaign group on a roadshow in an attempt to prevent the Government pursuing a “softer Brexit”.