Two portraits of former De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Chancellor, The Lord Waheed Alli, were unveiled today, shot by celebrity photographer Andy Gotts.
Special guest the Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, DMU’s current Chancellor, attended the ceremony.
To capture the inimitable personality of Lord Alli, the university commissioned former DMU student Andy, who has photographed celebrities for 26 years, including Al Pacino, Stephen Fry and Julia Roberts.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard, who unveiled the portraits, said: “Andy, a valued friend and alumnus of the university, has produced two extremely compelling portraits of DMU’s former Chancellor, Lord Waheed Alli.”
Andy Gotts MBE said: “Offering my services was the least I could do as a thank-you to the university. DMU has been a good friend to me over the years.”
Andy was made a DMU honorand in 2013, and awarded an MBE for his services to photography and charity in 2012.
Lord Alli said: “When you look at my portrait, it has the same qualities as an oil painting. You have to find the thing that makes your work special, like Andy does.
Reflecting on his time as DMU Chancellor and attending graduation ceremonies as part of the role, Lord Alli added: “It is a wonderful place to come to, DMU. You look at the reactions at the moment the graduands are about to cross the stage and it is a feeling which stays with you.”
He added: “The diversity in Leicester can be observed even at events like this; this institution is reflective of a very special city.”
Baroness Lawrence, who was invested as DMU’s Chancellor this year, said: “I feel honoured to be taking over from Lord Alli; these powerful portraits demonstrate the kind of person he is.
“I am really proud that I am Chancellor. DMU does a lot for its students while they are here, and is always celebrating their achievements.
“Graduates know that they have attained their degree from a place where they are truly valued.”
Professor Shellard added: “It was important for me, when I came to DMU, that I maintained the diversity on campus of which we are so proud. The work of Baroness Lawrence truly highlights what can be done to tackle racism and we are delighted to have her as our Chancellor. Lord Alli, also, has worked as an indefatigable campaigner for equality, driving the change that eventually led to equal marriage in the UK.
“These are two distinguished figures of modern British history.”
Andy Gotts had a few timely words to share with photography graduates: “Always shoot for you. Produce the art that you want, otherwise you are just part of a factory.”
Recent photography and video graduate, Mike Mayes, now Vice-President Media and Communications for De Montfort Students' Union also attended the unveiling. Having studied in the same department where Andy had completed his Photography MA in 2007, he said: “DMU is a lot of fun, I have really enjoyed myself.
“I have spent so much time learning the ins and outs of photography, and it’s been great meeting Andy Gotts today, and having his input into my work and listening to his advice.”
Posted on Monday 25 July 2016