Gregory Porter by George Groves for Cheltenham Festivals | Attivo

Cheltenham Festivals is now partnering with George Groves to raise funds from the sale of the Painting of Gregory Porter for the Relaxed Concert For Schools, a carefully curated musical programme in a wonderfully supportive atmosphere designed specifically for children who attend SEND (special education and disability needs) settings. Detailed planning undertaken by the festival guarantees an accessible, inclusive and enjoyable visit for everyone who attends. 50% of the sale proceeds from the painting and 100% from the signed print will go to Relaxed Concert for Schools, a Cheltenham Music Festival initiative.

George says “Over the last few years, I have been capturing some of the most incredible individuals from across the world, sharing my craft with those that have a story to tell. Whether that is through a formal sitting in my studio or a commissioned piece of artwork, my aim is to provide a wonderful experience for the sitter and create a piece of art which will last for centuries to come. By auctioning this painting of Gregory Porter, and a limited edition print, I hope to contribute to the Relaxed Concert initiative from Cheltenham Festivals, I know first-hand the healing power that music can have, and knowing this painting and print will support a mission that aims to heal and comfort through art itself, is gratifying to say the least.”

Groves is drawn to the works of Freud and Bacon for inspiration and his large-scale, highly detailed portraits capture the essence of some of the most inspiring figures of track and field as well as a long list of private commissions. Groves is fascinated by the stories that people’s faces tell. “Portrait painting really is storytelling.” he says, “Some of the people I’ve painted have the most incredible, intricate tales.”

Porter is a Grammy Award-winning jazz singer and musician who has performed all over the world, from Glastonbury to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. His 2013 album Liquid Spirit became the most-streamed jazz album of all time. In 2023, Porter was artistic curator of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. He told Attivo Life Magazine: “I’ve performed there seven times now, and I adore it”.

After meeting Porter at a privately-held reception for Attivo clients during the festival, Porter signed the oil on canvas portrait by George Groves as well as 4 of the limited edition prints. “I’ve been wanting to capture Gregory Porter’s Portrait for a while now. I've listened to his music for many years and seen his continual rise into the stratosphere of the music world. This was the right time, it felt like all the stars were aligned for this special occasion.

“Like Gregory Porter is influenced by the greats before him, I’m influenced by the greats before me, and there is no denying that my affinity with Jazz and Gregory himself made this an incredibly enjoyable experience. Special thanks must go to all the team at Attivo who really made the day”