The late Phil Emmanuel immortalised in donated artwork

The artwork of the legendary guitarist, passed away in May last year from an asthma attack, was commissioned before his death by his close friend Carole Beck.

“After he passed, we took some time to work out what we wanted to do with it,” the artist behind the work, Helen Lahdensuo said.

“We thought this was the most fitting thing.”

It took Ms Lahdensuo about six months “on and off” to complete the artwork.

Archivist Eric Scott said the painting would be a wonderful addition to the museum. 

“She’s captured the twinkle in his eye, the essences of the man – that’s very hard to do,” he said.

The artwork was based of a photo by Andrew Pattinson, which Emmanuel used on his business card.

“As soon as I saw his card, I knew that’s what I wanted to paint,” Ms Lahdensuo said.

READ MORE