Artist's gift of veteran drawings

These two drawings by Dan Llewelyn Hall have been gifted to National Museum Wales

A Welsh artist who painted two of Britain's World War I veterans shortly before their deaths has gifted final drawings of the pair to the nation.

Dan Llywelyn Hall, 29, originally from Cardiff, painted Henry Allingham, who was then the world's oldest man just a few days before he passed away.

His portrait of Britain's last Tommy, Harry Patch, 111, was completed by the artist months earlier.

He said it was appropriate the drawings of the two men should go to the nation.

The preparatory drawings made during sittings with the veterans have been gifted to the Royal Collection and the National Museum Wales to preserve them for future generations.

Mr Llewelyn Hall had one sitting with Mr Allingham in his room at St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel in Ovingdean, East Sussex.

He later said it was an "enormous privilege" to have painted the veteran.

The drawings of the war veterans are going to the Royal Collection

One of the studies gifted to the National Museum Wales shows Mr Allingham sleeping, while the second shows Mr Patch, who was the last survivor of the trenches of World War I, during a coffee break at his nursing home in Wells, Somerset.

Two more studies have been acquired by the Royal Collection.

One, in ink, shows Mr Patch, who died a week after Mr Allingham, perched on a chair with his war medals pinned to his jacket.

The other is a profile study of Mr Allingham.

The Royal Collection includes paintings, drawings, watercolours and a host other artwork by famous artists.

It is on public display at principal royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and is shown in exhibitions and loans around the world.

Mr Llewelyn Hall's art has been featured at the National Portrait Gallery, as well as the Imperial War Museum.

He said: "There was a lot of commentary from the Royals at the time of both men's death and I thought it was appropriate for the studies to go to the collection.

Historic figures

"I wrote to the Queen directly as I thought they would be a valuable addition and I'm told she was very keen to have them added to the Royal Collection.

"It is incredible to think that the work will be part of a body of work that includes Rembrandt and other great artists. It's a huge privilege to be able to have the works in such company."

A spokesperson for the National Museum Wales said it was delighted to have acquired the two drawings.

"They are a powerful pair of drawings of two remarkable historic figures who have become symbols of their generation."

The entire body of work made during the sittings with the veterans will go on sale later this month and will benefit St Dunstan's care home and the Royal British Legion.