Simply magic at Rebecca Hossack Gallery - Illusionist Derren Brown transfers parents to canvas

Published: 03 March 2011
by JAMIE WELHAM

HERE are two subjects mind-reader Derren Brown didn’t need to put under a spell to master: his parents.

Brown, who is fast making a name for himself for painting rather than slashing through artwork in the name of spectacle, opened his new show with a little help from mum and dad at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in Fitzrovia last week.

Comedian Chris Addison and singer Diana Vickers were among guests who admired caricature portraits of actor 

Clint Eastwood and singer Rufus Wain­wright, as well as 

more personal offerings in what is his second show at the gallery in Charlotte Street. 

While his parents Chris and Bob came 

to the former Conservative councillor’s gallery 

last year for his opening show, it is the first time they have seen themselves on canvas. 

One gallery insider told the New Journal they had no idea the paintings would be so big, describing their reaction as “dumb­struck”. 

But once over the initial shock they were happy to reverse the fame polarity and steal the limelight for the evening.

The exhibition continues at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery at 28 Charlotte Street, W1, until March 12.