A LIFE-SIZE portrait of a popular Christchurch nomad is currently displayed in a town centre bookstore.
Peter Castle’s painting of vagrant Cliff Cunningham is currently displayed in the window of Bookends in the High Street.
Christchurch artist, Mr Castle, completed the portrait of Cliff earlier this year, to submit to the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of the BP Portrait Award for 2013.
And although it didn’t make the final cut, the eye-catching immortalisation of Cliff, who slept rough in the town, made it through to the second round of judging and finished in the top 10 per cent from nearly 2,000 entries.
The painting is not for sale although Peter hopes the publicity may generate ideas for a more permanent home within the town.
Cliff, 57, slept rough near the bowling green in Christchurch, supported by residents and kind-hearted traders in Christchurch.
Hundreds turned out for a memorial service at Christchurch Quay last year to remember the man fondly known for his flamboyant style, sitting in Saxon Square with his radio.
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