Artist’s work unveiled for D-Day veterans and royalty

Jan Erika said: "The most important response will be from a veteran"

A Surrey artist is in Normandy for the unveiling of a D-Day painting at a ceremony attended by royalty and heads of state.

The artwork by Ripley-based artist Jan Erika will be on display at a new education centre at the British Normandy Memorial, in Ver-sur-Mer.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were among the guests at a national D-Day commemorative event at the site on Thursday, the same day the painting was unveiled.

Ms Erika said while her work could be viewed by a "a very, very full house of dignitaries", the most important response "will be from a veteran".

The art work, which was under wraps until 11:15 BST, features sand and sea.

She described it as having "Monet vibes", and includes former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's famous quote, "We shall fight on the beaches".

It was painted in her garage and will be displayed in the main gallery of the Winston Churchill Centre for Education and Learning, at the British Normandy Memorial.

Heads of state are attending a commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial on Thursday

Before Thursday, only a small group of friends had seen it, but Ms Erika said they "think it's fantastic and quite a feat because of the sheer size".

She said she would also attend the commemoration at the memorial.

"Having a veteran look at it and feel moved or just feel proud, or any kind of emotion, will be a real honour for me," she said.

The commemoration marks the 80th anniversary of the pivotal Normandy landings by Allied forces on 4 June 1944.

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