The image of a Radlett tailor and beekeeper is to hang in a prestigious gallery in Cambridge.

Stuart Thorne, who owns a tailor’s shop of the same name in Aldenham Road, is having his portrait painted by life-long friend John Walton, a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

Mr Walton decided to paint the portrait of Mr Thorne following a suggestion by his wife, Alice.

The 86-year-old, of Park Road, Radlett, explained: “I used to travel all over to fulfil portrait commissions, but of late hadn’t painted any.

“My wife suggested I paint something for the Royal Society and their brief was to paint someone in trade, which would then hang in Girton College at Cambridge University.

“Other members have painted watchmakers, lifeboatmen, carpet weavers - there is a mix of all trades.

“Alice suggested I paint Stuart, not only because he is in two trades - beekeeping and tailoring - but because he has such an interesting face.

“There is also the fact that she absolutely loves the honey he makes. Maybe she’s hoping for a few free pots. She does have it for breakfast every morning.”

Since composing an initial sketch of Mr Thorne using biro and sketching paper in November, several hours and sittings later, Mr Thorne’s image has been committed to a panel in oil paint.

Mr Walton has included Mr Thorne’s beehives, his tailor’s dummies, pots of honey and a measuring tape to accompany the image of Mr Thorne in the composition.

The painting will be unveiled at a special annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London, before going to Cambridge.

For Mr Thorne, having his portrait painted by his good friend is a particular honour, he said, because Mr Walton has painted some incredibly important figures in the past.

The Slade-trained artist has had completed portrait commissions for the Duchess of Gloucester, King Hussein of Jordan and Sir Reginald Murley, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, to name but a few.

Mr Thorne, 67, said: “It’s such a huge honour, I can’t really put into words how I feel. When John asked to paint my portrait I jumped at the chance and I now can’t wait for the exhibitions.

“It’s wonderful to think that my picture will hang in a college a Cambridge University forever more. As my wife said to me, it’s the closest I’ll ever get to going to Cambridge University.”